Many cloud-based applications use the servers in the data center as a central location. Servers process the information that devices like smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices generate. The data is used for big data processing and analytics. 

The model increases the demands for communication and computing infrastructure. However, it is a challenge to maintain user experience and quality of service. 

Concept of Edge Computing

Imagine if we move part of this computational load to the Edge of the Network. Then, we would not have to use a centralized server. This is the concept behind the edge. The purpose is using untapped computational capacity at the Edge nodes. Examples of these edge nodes are stations, routers, and switches. This post is all about the challenges, opportunities, and benefits of Edge Computing.

Here is the prime advantage of Edge computing in easy words. Businesses do not have to depend on data centers for data analysis and processing. They can optimize their systems by moving data processing to the source of the data. 

Why Cloud is Not a Good Option for the Internet of Things

Cloud computing is not ideal for new Internet of Things applications. There are many reasons. One of them is location. You do not know where that public cloud is. It could be in any other continent. When we say 'Internet of Things’, things could signify many things. 

It could be a person with a heart monitor implant. It could be a car with built-in sensors to alert the driver about necessary maintenance. It could also be a farm animal with a biochip. Any object with the proper IP address and ability to transfer data over a network can be an example. 

There is no option other than computing closer to the source. Then data traffic improves the delivered service. That holds true for any web-based application that works on processing information. Computing at peripheral nodes close to the application users is simply great. It helps application providers improve their services.

The generation of large data streams is the quality of the edge devices. Cloud is at a distance in most cases. When the data in the cloud is used to analyze, you can't make decisions in real-time. 

High latency is the problem of the current cloud infrastructure. For example, the travel time from Sydney to Los Angeles is nearly 175ms. It is too much for Latency-sensitive applications.

Benefits of Edge Computing

Edge computing comes with many advantages that businesses can use. It helps companies to develop a robust and efficient system. Let us uncover some benefits here. 

Speed

Bringing data analysis tools and applications near the real data source has many benefits. First, you need less time for data transfer since the physical distance is less. Moreover, it reduces network congestion and periods of inactivity or large. Overall quality, speed, and responsiveness, all factors improve.

Low Latency

Edge computing operates on a distributed network. This is the total opposite of cloud computing. Cloud computing uses a single Data Center. So, there is no round trip to the cloud, which results in less latency and real-time responsiveness. 

You will notice a dramatic decline in the latency of end-user devices. This is because real-time decision-making improves user experience. This is all the magic of keeping the heaviest traffic and processing near the devices.

Uninterrupted Connections

Edge Computing offers local Edge Data Centers for data storage and processing. IoT applications can use less bandwidth. They usually operate under limited connectivity with the help of edge computing. 

Lesser Costs

Edge computing also helps businesses cut down on costs. Data storage requirements decrease, and data centers are not required. Edge device solutions replace data centers. Bandwidth requirements also decrease. 

Edge Computing helps organizations reduce operational costs. There is no need to move data to the cloud. 

Helps Meeting Regulatory & Compliance Requirements

Are different data centers or hosting providers managing and hosting your data? If yes, you will face this problem. You will have a hard time meeting regulatory and compliance requirements. All data centers have their specific privacy and regulatory requirements. It does not happen when you use edge computing. One single place is for data generation, processing, and storing. As a result, you can quickly meet regulatory and compliance requirements.

Better Privacy Protection & Data Security

Security is one of the most sensitive IT issues, and data breaches are almost routine. Every business must take serious steps to ensure data protection. Data security and privacy protection are the essential benefits of Edge Computing. Instead of central servers, data processing takes place within the edge.

But it does not imply that edge devices have zero vulnerability. It is more about the volume of the data. Edge processes fewer data, so hackers hardly have complete data collection.

If someone hacks a centralized server, privacy is compromised, of course. Those servers could have sensitive information about events, people, and locations. Edge processes and only creates a data set that is necessary at the moment. It does not tamper with other sensitive data.

Support for AI & ML Applications

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are the rising technologies. One cannot deny their importance. But such applications fetch and process high volumes of data. Latency and connectivity issues would arise if a centralized server hosts the data. 

Edge computing facilitates AI/ML applications. It helps by processing data closer to the generation place. Hence, AI/ML applications can quickly get results. 

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