Edge computing is an emerging computing paradigm which refers to a range of networks and devices at or near the user. It is about processing data closer to where it’s being generated, enabling processing at greater speeds and volumes, leading to greater action-led results in real time.
Edge devices: We already use devices that do edge computing every day—like smart speakers, watches and phones – devices which are locally collecting and processing data while touching the physical world.
Why is edge computing important?
The past 15-20 years have generated a massive shift from on-premise software to cloud computing. We can now access everything we need from anywhere, without the limitations of fixed-location servers. However, the cloud computing movement is about to swing back the other way towards decentralized computing.
Edge computing combined with other technologies
It integrates centralized and distributed architectures. Cloud and the edge work hand in hand to enable new experiences. Data is generated or collected in many locations and then moved to the cloud, where computing is centralized, making it easier and cheaper to process data together in one place and at scale. Edge computing uses locally generated data to enable real-time responsiveness to create new experiences. While at the same time controlling sensitive data and reducing costs of data transmission to the cloud.
- 5G makes edge implementations seamless by guaranteeing the transmission of critical control messages that enable devices to make autonomous decisions.
- IoT and connected devices are unique data sources that need to be secured and registered in the cloud. It will reside near or on these data sources.
- Containers provide a standardized deployment environment for developers to build and package applications. Containers can be deployed on various hardware, regardless of device capabilities, settings and configurations.
- Service and data mesh provide a way to deploy and query data and services distributed across containers and datastores across the edge. These meshes present a single interface that abstracts away the routing and management of services and data interfaces. This critical enabler makes possible bulk queries for entire populations within it, rather than on each device.
- Software-defined networking allows users to configure the overlay networks. It also makes it easy to customize routing and bandwidth to determine. How to connect edge devices to each other to the cloud.
- Digital twin is a critical enabler that organizes physical-to-digital and cloud-to-edge. The twin allows data and applications to be configured using domain terms around assets and production lines rather than database tables and message streams. Digital twins allow domain experts (rather than software engineers) to configure applications to sense, think and act on the edge.
Edge computing trends to watch in future
The edge computing market will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.6% between 2022 and 2028 to hit an estimated $132.11 million. That’s according to a fall 2022 report from ReportLinker.
Faster, smarter, and more efficient networks will be delivered by Edge Computing by processing data and information for more than five billion things or devices right where they are. Digital transformation is made possible by a variety of new technologies, chief among them is Edge Computing. Optimized latency performance of 5G Core processing and 5G NR. Air interface combined with edge compute can minimize round-trip-time by up to two orders of magnitudes in situations where there is tight control over all parts of the communication chain.
Key Benefits of it.
- Scalability- Edge computing allows businesses to expand and be agile.
- Reliability- It is able to sustain and deliver support when there is a risk in connectivity.
- Speed- Real-time processing requires speed and response times are available only with Edge Computing.
- Latency- It minimizes latency, resulting in excellent user experiences.
- Cost- Businesses can reduce their operational costs by minimizing the bandwidth needs with Edge Computing.
Securing the Edge
For enhanced security at the edge, companies should look to not only invest in security and tech talent but also prioritize zero trust architecture. This means that when a user logs into a system. It not only asks for a username and password but also monitors what kind of computer you have, the software, etc. so that they know the user is who they say they are. Additionally, this gives the user limited access to data, allowing protection for the rest of the company’s data in case of a breach. All security measures should also undergo penetration tests to ensure they’re working properly and to find any weaknesses.
Furthermore, “businesses across the industries, such as automotive, agriculture, oil & gas, healthcare, and manufacturing, are aware of the importance of IoT, communications, and sensors. Which encourages the integration of sensors into devices. Enterprises and service providers perceive IoT as a key enabler of digital transformation and improvements in operational efficiencies. Thus, edge computing plays a key role in IoT deployment across various industries, which drives market growth.”
