SpartanTec, Inc. Columbia: What is Edge Computing? Why Does It Matter?

Edge computing is revolutionizing the way data is processed, delivered, and handled from millions of devices all over the globe. Edge computing systems are driven by the explosive growth in internet-connected devices (the IoT) and new applications that demand real-time computing power.

Edge computing systems are faster than ever thanks to 5G wireless. They can be used to create or support real-time applications such as video processing, analytics, artificial intelligence, and robotics.

Although the initial goals of edge computing were to reduce the cost of data traveling long distances due to the increase in IoT-generated information, the technology is moving ahead because of the rise in real-time applications that require processing at the edge.

What is edge computing?

Gartner defines edge computing “a part of a distributed topology in computing where information processing is located near the edge–where things or people produce and consume that information.”

Edge computing is essentially a way to bring computation and data storage closer than possible. It does this by relying on central locations that may be thousands of miles away.

This ensures that real-time data is not affected by latency issues, which can impact an application’s performance. Companies can also save money by processing locally. This reduces the data that must be processed in a central or cloud-based location.

Edge computing was born out of the rapid growth in IoT devices that connect to the internet to receive information from the cloud and to deliver data back to it. Many Internet of Things devices produce huge amounts of data in the course of their operation.

You can think of devices that monitor equipment in a factory floor, or an internet-connected camera that transmits live footage from remote offices. Although a single device can produce data and transmit it over a network, issues arise when there are many devices sending data simultaneously.

Multiply the number of devices that transmit live footage by one camera instead of dozens or hundreds of them. Latency can lead to poor quality and high bandwidth costs.

This problem can be solved by edge-computing hardware, services and software. They act as a local source for processing and storage for many systems. An edge gateway can, for instance, process data from edge devices and send the relevant data back to the cloud.

This reduces bandwidth requirements. It can also send data back to an edge device in case of urgent application requirements.

An IoT sensor, a worker’s notebook computer or their smartphone can all be considered edge devices. Edge gateways are edge devices in an edge-computing infrastructure.

All you need to know about edge computing

There are many edge uses cases – each arrangement will be unique – but there are a few industries that have been at the forefront in edge computing. Edge hardware is used by heavy industry and manufacturers to enable delay-tolerant applications.

This allows for the efficient storage of processing power, such as for automated coordination of heavy machinery at a factory floor. Companies can also use the edge to integrate IoT applications such as predictive maintenance closer to their machines.

Other use cases present different challenges entirely. Edge nodes can be used by retailers to provide a clearinghouse in-store for many different functions, such as tying point of sale data with targeted promotions and tracking foot traffic for a shop management application.

This connectivity component could be as simple as in-house Wi Fi for all devices or more complicated with Bluetooth or other low power connectivity for traffic tracking and promotional services. Wi-Fi is reserved for self-checkout and point-of-sale.

Edge Computing Equipment

Although the physical architecture of an edge may be complex, the principle is simple: Client devices connect to an edge module nearby for faster processing and smoother operations. There are many terms used to describe the edge modules, such as “edge servers” and “edge gateways”.

There are many ways an edge system can be purchased and used. A business may want to manage most of the process themselves. This would include selecting the right edge devices from hardware vendors like Dell, HPE, or IBM, designing a network that meets the requirements of the use case, as well as purchasing management and analysis software.

This is a lot of work, and it would require considerable IT expertise. A better alternative would be to outsourse this project to a company like SpartanTec in Columbia SC.

Edge Computing Benefits

Many companies look for cost savings as a reason to use edge-computing. Many companies that first embraced cloud computing for their applications might have found that bandwidth costs were much higher than they expected.

They are now looking for a cheaper alternative. Edge computing could be an option.

Edge computing’s greatest benefit is its ability to store and process data faster. This allows for companies to develop more efficient real-time applications.

A smartphone that scans a person’s face to detect facial recognition would have to use a cloud-based service to process the algorithm. This would be very slow. The edge computing model allows the algorithm to run locally on an edge server, gateway or smartphone, thanks to the increased power of smartphones.

Fast processing and response is required for applications such as virtual and/or augmented reality, self driving cars, smart cities, and building-automation system.

Edge infrastructure will be a major growth engine in the server- and storage market over the next decade, thanks to enhanced interconnectivity that allows for better edge access to core applications and new IoT business use cases.

AI algorithms are complex and require large amounts processing power. Most of them run on cloud services. AI chipsets capable of processing at the edge will enable faster responses to applications that require instant computing.

Security and privacy

Data at the edge can pose security risks. This is especially true if it’s being handled from different devices than centralized or cloud-based systems. That’s why companies need to invest in IT services Columbia SC.

It’s crucial that your IT support is aware of the security risks associated with IoT devices and ensures that those systems are protected. This includes encryption of data, access control methods, and VPN tunneling.