Edge Computing
Edge Computing
Seamless data processing directly at the source

Edge Computing marks a milestone in the improvement of data network performance and the utilization of the information it contains: By analyzing and processing close to the point of capture or origin, Edge Computing enables faster data processing as well as shorter latency times – crucial for applications such as autonomous driving and the Internet of Things (IoT).
With its innovative features, Edge Computing is revolutionizing the way data is captured, processed and used.

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What is Edge Computing

Edge Computing shifts the processing of data to the edge of a network. This means it is no longer necessary to send the data to a central data center or a cloud – it is processed directly at the point of origin, i.e. on the devices themselves or on a local server. This minimizes latency times, saves bandwidth and improves the execution speed of applications. The bottom line is that Edge Computing gives companies the opportunity to process data faster and better into relevant information. Edge Computing offers enormous advantages, particularly in the area of the Internet of Things (IoT).

The goal of Edge Computing

The primary goal of Edge Computing is to optimize the efficiency and performance of networks and applications, thus enabling new use cases and optimizing existing ones. To achieve this, the processing of data is moved closer to its source, which minimizes delays. This is particularly important in the area of the Internet of Things (IoT) – where fast processing times and low latencies are essential. By processing and analyzing data in near real-time, Edge Computing can help reduce downtimes, improve product quality and cut costs in the Industry 4.0 environment, for example.

One example: Sensors record the data of a weir system (water level, flow velocity, water volume, etc.) and use it to control the weir directly on site in a decentralized manner at the edge. However, the data can still be used further via an internet connection to enable statistics, trends and statutory reporting, for instance.

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Advantages of Edge Computing

  • Lower latency: Edge Computing processes data directly at the source, reducing latency and increasing speed.
  • Better data security: There is a lower risk of security breaches than when transferring to the cloud.
  • Increased scalability: The infrastructure can be scaled as required and without large investments in central data centers.
  • Independence from the network connection: Edge devices can continue to work even if the central network connection fails.
  • Real-time data processing: Edge Computing enables the immediate processing and analysis of data in near real-time.
  • Better monetization of data: Optimized processing into valuable information allows companies to get more out of their data overall, enabling innovative applications (see below).

Application areas for Edge Computing

  • IoT devices: Edge Computing plays a crucial role for IoT devices by enabling data processing on the "things".
  • Autonomous driving: Vehicles that rely on autonomous technology use Edge Computing to process data in real time
  • Industry 4.0: In industrial automation, Edge Computing helps to control and monitor production processes in real time.
  • Healthcare: Edge Computing can help to process relevant medical data in near real time
  • Smart Cities: In the field of urban infrastructure, Edge Computing enables the efficient processing and analysis of data from various sources so that energy and traffic flows, for example, can be optimized.
Responsiveness
Responsiveness

With Edge Computing, data processing takes place in near real-time – an important prerequisite for IoT environments and the operation of AI or automation systems.

lower_network_load
Lower network load

Data traffic in enterprise networks is growing rapidly. Edge computing reduces the load on the network, conserves resources by performing the processing in the local IoT gateway and provides protection against tampering or overload.

Flexibility
Flexibility

Edge Computing offers companies a high degree of flexibility in data processing. Performance can be scaled as needed via the number of smart edge devices used.

Reliability
Reliability

Thanks to real-time processing and short data paths, Edge Computing offers special protection for critical systems in which system failures are not an option.

Edge Computing vs. Cloud Computing
 
Cloud Computing
Edge Computing
Definition

Cloud Computing refers to the provision and use of IT infrastructures – such as storage space, computing power or application software – via an external provider.

 Edge Computing is an approach to a distributed IT system that enables data processing at the edge of a local network, rather than close to the data source.
Advantages
  • Scalability : Cloud Computing enables companies to quickly expand or reduce their IT infrastructure as required, which can save costs and increase agility.
  • Reliability and availability: Cloud Computing makes data accessible practically anywhere in the world at any time.
  • Local data storage: Higher speed and better responsiveness are guaranteed.
  • Minimized latency times: Near real-time applications are possible.
  • Improved security: Sensitive data is not transferred to external drives.
  • Flexible: IoT devices work even in case of internet failure.
  • Bandwidth efficiency: Local processing and filtering of data can reduce bandwidth requirements and thus avoid network bottlenecks.
  • Automated information exchange: Increased networking means that information can be exchanged and used smoothly in near real-time.
Disadvantages
  • Physical limits: Broadband expansion is progressing slower than data volumes are growing. Access is not possible without the internet.
  • Time required: Data is uploaded to the cloud, evaluated and fed back
  • Management challenges: Managing and maintaining a large number of edge devices can be complex and time-consuming.
  • Costs: The acquisition, implementation and maintenance of edge devices and infrastructures can require high investments.

 

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9/5/2018: Edge Computing – trend or hype?
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The difference between Edge Computing and Fog Computing

In the world of digital technology, the terms Edge Computing and Fog Computing are often used interchangeably, but there are differences between these two concepts. Simply put, Edge Computing is a method in which data is processed close to its source. Fog Computing, on the other hand, is an extended model that distributes data processing across a "network fog" in a cluster of nodes where the analysis also takes place. Typically, this is a range of devices that includes IoT gateways, endpoint equipment, sensors and network devices. Therefore, Fog Computing is often seen as a bridge between the cloud and the edge.

The difference between Cloud Computing and Edge Computing

Cloud Computing and Edge Computing are two different approaches to data processing. Cloud Computing uses centralized servers in a cloud, which is where the data is stored and processed. By contrast, Edge Computing shifts the processing of data to the edge of the network, close to where it was collected or originated. This approach minimizes latencies, as data does not have to be sent to the cloud in its entirety, but can be used initially on site. While Cloud Computing requires an internet connection with relatively high data throughput and a large bandwidth, Edge Computing enables efficient data processing even without a high-performance or even stable network connection.

The future of Edge Computing: Revolutionize your business

Edge Computing is an established technology that opens up new dimensions of digital transformation and is already proving its worth in many applications. Edge Computing will soon form the backbone of the next generation of the Internet of Things (IoT). Start-ups and established companies are continuously investing in this technology for real-time data analysis, improved network speeds and greater security. In addition, continued advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning will make Edge Computing an indispensable part of future technology solutions.

Successfully implementing Edge Computing: A step-by-step guide

Implementing Edge Computing in your organization can be a challenge – but the benefits are worth the effort. Start by analyzing your current IT infrastructure and identifying areas where you could benefit from Edge Computing. Choosing the right hardware and software setup – including suitable edge devices and security tools – are also part of the task. Moreover, adequately training your staff is crucial to ensure they can handle the new technologies.