Understanding the Benefits and Challenges of Edge Computing

The world is rapidly evolving from a centralized computer and data storage network to a more distributed approach, and edge computing is one of the drivers of this revolution.

Edge computing involves moving data processing and storage away from a centralized location, such as a data center, and instead pushes computing power to the network’s edges.

The concept of edge computing is established by moving part of this computing load to the network’s edge and not using centralized servers to utilize edge nodes’ currently unused computing capacity, such as stations, routers, and switches.

This article discusses the benefits and challenges of edge computing.

Benefits of Edge Computing

Speed

Edge computing reduces the physical distance data must travel and the time required for transmission. It dramatically reduces network congestion and periods of inactivity or latency and increases responsiveness, speed, and overall quality of service.

Low latency

Edge computing uses a more distributed network than cloud computing based on a single data center. Edge computing eliminates the round trip to the cloud, reducing latency and offering a real-time response. Low latency feature keeps the heaviest traffic and processing closer to the application and end-user devices to minimize latency dramatically.

It leads to automated real-time decision-making, improving the user experience. Latency reduction is crucial as data need not be conveyed to the cloud or data center over the network for processing.

Uninterrupted connections

Businesses can depend on reliable connectivity for their IoT applications, even when cloud services are involved. Edge computing allows IoT applications to use less bandwidth and typically operate under limited connectivity conditions. Edge computing offers local Edge data centers for data storage and processing.

Lower costs

Businesses can significantly reduce their costs as well as reduce the bandwidth required. We can also replace data centers with edge solutions and reduce data storage requirements.

Where there are benefits, there are also risks, and edge computing is no exception. Therefore, the challenges must also be taken into account.

Challenges of Edge Computing

Complexity

A distributed system is much more complex than a centralized Cloud architecture. An edge computing environment is a heterogeneous combination of different components using new technology produced by various manufacturers and communicating with each other through multiple interfaces.

Security

IoT devices often transmit trivial information, such as temperature and humidity. Manufacturers need to implement strong security measures on their devices, and some IoT devices are susceptible to malicious attacks (mostly denial of service).

Less robust infrastructure

These data centers only have a portion of the infrastructure we usually find in a Core Data Center, which means the need to overcome technical challenges.

Edge computing requires specialized skills and knowledge to be adequately implemented. Organizations must ensure their staff is appropriately trained to use cutting-edge computer systems and technologies. This includes training in data processing, network management, and security protocols.

Still, it is evident that edge computing brings more unique benefits over traditional models, where computing power is centralized at an on-premise data center.