What Is Edge Computing And How Does It Work
Edge computing is a distributed computing paradigm that brings computation and data storage closer to the devices that generate and consume data. This is in contrast to traditional cloud computing, which relies on centralized data centers to process and store data.
The main benefit of edge computing is that it allows for faster processing and data transfer, since the data does not have to be transmitted over long distances to a central server. This is especially important for applications that require low latency or real-time processing, such as virtual and augmented reality, autonomous vehicles, and industrial control systems.
Edge computing is made possible by the proliferation of internet of things (IoT) devices, which are connected devices that can sense, communicate, and process data. These devices generate and consume large amounts of data, and edge computing allows them to process this data locally, rather than sending it all back to a central server.
Edge computing is typically implemented using edge servers, which are small, lightweight servers that are placed at the edge of a network, near the devices that generate and consume data. These servers can be located in a variety of locations, such as on the premises of a business, in a telecom company's central office, or in a data center.
Edge servers are responsible for processing and storing data locally, as well as transmitting it back to a central server if necessary. They are typically equipped with powerful processors, memory, and storage, and are connected to the network through high-bandwidth links.
In summary, edge computing is a distributed computing paradigm that brings computation and data storage closer to the devices that generate and consume data, allowing for faster processing and data transfer. It is made possible by the proliferation of IoT devices, and is implemented using edge servers, which are small, lightweight servers placed at the edge of a network.