What Is Edge Computing?
Key Highlights
- Edge computing processes data at the network's edge, reducing latency and enhancing the abilities of autonomous systems and IoT applications.
- Industries from healthcare to manufacturing are adopting edge computing to cut bandwidth costs and improve operational efficiency.
- IoT Edge Devices can detect anomalies and trigger automatic responses.
As our devices get faster and our apps demand instant responses, a quiet revolution is happening at the very edge of the network. Edge computing is reshaping how data moves, how systems react, and how the physical and digital worlds connect.
What Is Edge Computing?
Intel provides a digestible definition of the technology, stating, “Edge computing refers to processing, analyzing, and storing data closer to where it is generated—at the edge of the network.”
Instead of sending data to a cloud server, edge computing processes and analyzes data near the device itself. This analysis includes predictions, real-time insights, and other relevant intelligence, which are then dispatched to a data center.
Edge computing has numerous benefits, particularly when it comes to autonomous systems.
Autonomous Systems, IoT, and Real-Time Applications
Some of the advantages of edge computing are reduced network latency and congestion, minimized data transmission, and lower data storage costs. Across different industries, edge computing is also being used for automated systems.
The amount of time saved by having data processed and analyzed near the device versus having to go to a cloud server first is not the only benefit here.
With response time being critical in industries like finance and healthcare, Internet of Things (IoT) edge devices provide operators with real-time information to make imperative decisions accordingly.
Because edge IoT devices continuously process data even in the event of lost internet connectivity, they are considered reliable in preventing downtime from unexpected outages or natural disasters.
With machine learning, some of these devices can detect anomalies or specific conditions and, in turn, begin automatic processes that prove to be integral in preventing failures, safety issues, and more.
Sectors Adopting the Technology
Industries utilizing the benefits of edge computing include retail, with intelligent kiosks providing services like self-checkout/cashierless checkout; manufacturing, with Industrial IoT sensors; and supporting adaptive learning through fast data analysis and feedback in education.
Another sector benefiting from the technology is healthcare. Nokia notes, “Data analysis from IoT devices, sensors and other medical equipment will help swift decision-making and ensure effective medical intervention.”
Edge Computing Expanding
Cost savings related to bandwidth and cloud storage are some of the major drivers for businesses to deploy edge computing.
Nokia envisions the future of edge computing, stating, “As time progresses, virtually every household and office premises are expected to install IoT devices and to support such a complex ecosystem, robust computation capabilities will have to be located to the edge.”
This technology can aid in maintaining data security in remote areas that deal with spotty connectivity and reduced bandwidth. Issues with long-distance data transfer are eliminated with the technology, as the processes used for that data can be done near the network itself.
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About the Author
Serena Aburahma
Associate Editor | Cabling Installation & Maintenance
Serena Aburahma is an editor and writer for CI&M, with several years of experience in writing, editing, and SEO. Serena has pitched and created content for various industries, including technology, video games, insurance, cars, pop culture, and more. She has also produced content for and managed CI&M's various social media accounts and is always looking for fresh and exciting ways to grow and engage with audiences.
Much like the content Serena has written about, her interests vary as well, including writing poetry and stories, meandering in nature, playing video games, traveling, and reading.