With the technology growing day by day , the size of laptops and computers are getting smaller day by day.As the sizes of these devices have grown small, their information computing and processing powers have grown manifold.Initially a lot of these data was stored on severe farms and data warehouses, however with time the data storage and processing quickly shifted to cloud computing.Cloud computing grew very quick in popularity where major tech giants such as Google,Amazon started providing cloud services.However.cloud computing has its own issues.The biggest issue being that of latency.which means that the data takes longer time to transfer over the network.Due to such issues with cloud computing, a new concept of edge computing has evolved.
What is edge computing?
Edge computing involves moving some portion of information storage and computing resources out of the central data server and close to the data source itself.Rather than sending raw data to the central server for processing and analysis,instead the raw data is processed and analyzed near the data source itself.This results in faster processing of data and improved response time as well as better bandwidth availability.
Advantages of using edge computing
Latency issues
As the data is processed closer to the data source itself ,the latency issue which is occurs while using cloud computing, clearly does not occur in this case.
Better and improved data security.
As the majority of data is processed and stored close to the data source, information that needs to be sent to data center can be encrypted easily.. Enterprises also use edge computing to comply with data sovereignty laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), by keeping any sensitive data close to the source.
Saving productivity costs
By processing data closer to the data source, the businesses can improve operational and employee productivity by sharing information much quicker.Edge computing can be integrated with artificial intelligence and machine learning tools to get decisions and insights that help businesses and employees perform better.
Challenges in collecting data from remote source
Sometimes due to unreliable network connectivity and bandwidth makes it difficult to get information from data center.However, establishing edge computing helps overcome these challenges.For example, data from industrial zones , offshore vessels can be collected easily.
Cost Affordability
For sending large quantities of data from websites to the central data servers needs a really high amount of bandwidth which is expensive.However with the edge computing model, the businesses can send only the required amount of data form websites to the central data servers which in turn reduces the operating costs.
Reliable performance
Edge computing is more preferable to set up in remote areas where internet bandwidth is limited.By using an edge computing model, the businesses can make sure their operations run smooth even with limited bandwidth.
Disadvantages of edge computing
Complicated infrastructure and Maintenance : Edge computing can be more complicated than traditional computing systems as it involves using large number of devices and sensors.This make it challenging for the businesses to to maintain the infrastructure.
Data Management Challenges: Organizations and industries can face issues with data management as they must ensure that data is stored properly and efficiently across multiple devices.
Examples of technologies that use edge computing
1.Smart home devices
Edge computing can be used in smart home devices.In smart home devices ,many IOT devices keep collecting data throughout the house and send to the remove server for processing.However in case of internet failure or bandwidth issues it the system may fail.However by using edge computing , data processing and storage can be done closer to the smart home.
2.Cloud Gaming Industry
By using edge technology in cloud gaming, the companies can position the servers as close to the gamers as possible, this reduces the lags and enhances overall user experience.
3.Oil rigs, mining, and gas industry
Businesses such as oil rigs, mining and gas industry need continuous monitoring of data to prevent dangerous happenings.By adopting edge computing, these companies can easily reduce operation costs, concentrate on worker safety and reduce energy.
4.Financial sector
Banks utilize and generate large volumes of data.Using edge technology, data can be moved close to the banks (data origin) which can lead to better end user experience.This helps banks to reduce the overall operational costs.
5.Healthcare
Healthcare sector is one such domain which can benefit greatly from edge computing.All health care facilities have several health devices such as temperature, BP measuring machines , heart rate monitors , sensors which generate a plethora of data.
Even though edge computing is a relatively new technology, its applications are many.However as each side has two coins, it comes with its own set of challenges.With the right planning in setting up a edge technology infrastructure, companies can achieve significant benefits from it.
