In today’s interconnected world, where everything from smart streetlights, home devices, and self-driving cars is becoming popular, data processing speed is critical. This is where edge computing comes in, seeking to revolutionize how and where data processing is carried out.

Imagine you are seated in your house, the thermostat adjusts to your preferred temperature, the fridge orders groceries, and the radio plays your favorite music based on your mood – all in real-time. To function properly, these devices must process data instantly. Unlike traditional data processing methods where data had to be sent to the cloud, edge computing processes the data at the source – the device itself.

Edge computing promises to change how and where data is handled by making data collection and use not only shorter but also faster and more responsive. All said, what exactly is edge computing, and why should it matter to you? Buckle up as we explore the intricacies of this innovative technology and how it is transforming data processing.

Edge computing refers to a type of computing where data is processed close to where it is generated or the source. In traditional computing, like your smartphone, data is sent to a distant server for processing, often leading to lags or delays. With edge computing, data is processed locally— on the device itself or at the edge of the network reducing latency, enhancing speed, and efficiency.

For example, if you own a smart thermostat that you use to control your home’s temperature, chances are that you have interacted with edge computing without your knowledge. In a traditional setup, a thermostat would send data to a distant server, where its processed and the response is sent back after some time. This back-and-forth would always result in delays.

Edge computing addresses delays by moving the processing power to the “edge” of the network—i.e., closer to your thermostat itself. This enables faster data processing and quick decision-making as it removes the need for time-consuming back-and-forth between your thermostat and the remote server.

The image below shows the differences in architecture between edge and traditional computing.

Cloud Computing vs Edge Computing Architecture: Source: American Cloud, "Cloud Computing vs. Edge Computing: Which Is Best for Your Business?", August 2, 2023

Looking at the image above, it is clear that edge computing offers something unique compared to traditional computing. What makes this form of computing unique?

Edge computing significantly reduces latency—the time data takes to travel from point A to point B. This is important for applications that need split-second decisions, like autonomous vehicles or smart fridges we mentioned at the beginning. It also means that your smart car or thermostat can respond without time-wasting.

As a smart device’s user, you will be happy if you get a timely response every time you give a command. This is possible thanks to edge computing. Edge computing has a distributed way of processing data, i.e., processing across multiple locations.

Even if one node or device fails, others can continue functioning normally. This means that no matter the network challenges, there are high chances of getting the results you need. This is crucial for industries like healthcare and autonomous vehicles, where a minor delay can be disastrous.

Data security and privacy is an issue especially with increased cybersecurity incidences. Let us be honest, no patient would want their vital signs leaked to the internet after their wearable device is hacked.

Processing data closer to the source ensures that sensitive information is kept on local devices instead of sent through networks to remote servers, as is the case with traditional methods such as cloud computing. This bolsters security and privacy by eliminating possible network breaches and unauthorized data access.

Take the bandwidth as a highway. Just like a highway, a bandwidth has lanes that carry information. Now, in traditional cloud computing model, data was sent over long distances from your device to data centers. In case many people are sending data, this travel can be long and expensive.

However, edge computing solves this problem by reducing the need for extensive travel by processing data locally. It’s like having a local warehouse instead of going shopping to a far warehouse. Since the travel distance is reduced, less bandwidth is consumed.

The infographic below shows the characteristics of edge versus traditional computing.

Cities have become significantly digitized, and edge computing is crucial in managing traffic flows and optimizing energy, among other things. You might have heard about connected cameras. Some of these cameras are edge computing-enabled and allow video feeds to be analyzed in real-time right at the source, and traffic signals can be adjusted accordingly. The speed of data processing improves traffic management, making it more efficient than using traditional approaches.

Edge computing is also revolutionizing patient care. It enables real-time monitoring of patients' vital signs through devices attached to their bodies to gather health and fitness data. Data from these devices is processed locally, enabling immediate notification of medical staff in case a problem is detected. This improves overall patient outcomes.

In the manufacturing sector, where equipment performance is critical, edge computing helps monitor equipment and operations. As a manufacturer, this will help you analyze sensor data in real-time, predict equipment failures, improve performance schedules, and optimize efficiency.

Although edge computing has various advantages, it is not without challenges. For instance, like other computing and network types, security can be a challenge, especially when managing and securing a large network of devices and ensuring consistent performance across various environments. If you dream of having such vast networks of devices, you must prepare for investment in robust infrastructure.

Despite the challenges mentioned above, edge computing appears promising. As this technology advances, we expect it to be integrated with other emerging technologies, such as 5G, which will further improve its potential and application. Therefore, next time you use your thermostat, remember that edge computing is likely helping you make your experience smooth.