What is edge computing

What is edge computing?

Edge computing is a distributed computing framework that brings an enterprise application closer to a data source (such as an iot

device), or closer to a local edge server. With edge computing, you can place workloads near where data is created and actions are

performed.

Edge computing is a distributed computing concept that integrates intelligence into edge devices (also known as edge nodes), allowing

data to be processed and analyzed in real time near the data collection source. In edge computing, data does not need to be uploaded

directly to the cloud or a centralized data processing system.

The development of edge computing considers the following aspects:

• Capacity - Large bandwidth and backhaul capacity are required to transfer increasing amounts of data generated by a large number of

connected devices to centrally located cloud services. Edge computing and local data processing can reduce the amount of data that

needs to be transmitted.

• Cost - In terms of bandwidth issues, there are also costs associated with transferring large amounts of data over long distances. In

addition,the large amounts of data generated by many devices may be business irrelevant and therefore do not need to be transferred

to central processing;

Analytics - Data is the fundamental asset of the digital economy. With the ability to transform data into real-time (or near-real-time)

analytics and actions, the GSMA think tank predicts that by the end of 2025, there will be approximately 9 billion mobile connections

(phones and data-only devices) and nearly 25 billion IoT connections (cellular and non-cellular services) worldwide.

Security - Many companies may not want sensitive data to leave the field or own servers. National laws and regulations surrounding

data privacy are also a factor.

• Latency - Although 5G has lower latency than 4G, it will be difficult to achieve very low latency in long-distance and multi-hop networks;

Elasticity - Edge computing can provide more communication paths than centralized mode. This distribution can better ensure the

elasticity of data communication.

Advantages of edge computing

In edge computing, data is processed near the data collection source, so there is no longer a need to transfer data to the cloud or

on-premises data centers for processing and analysis. This approach will reduce the load on the network and servers.

Due to its ability to process data in real time and its faster response time, edge computing has high application in the field of iot,

especially the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). In addition to accelerating the digital transformation of industrial and manufacturing

enterprises, edge computing technology can also enable more innovations including artificial intelligence and machine learning.

The difference between edge and cloud computing

The main difference between cloud and edge computing is the centralized computing environment, where data is collected, processed,

and analyzed in a centralized location. Edge computing, on the other hand, is based on a distributed computing environment. There is

no need to choose between cloud computing and edge computing in a cloud solution, they do not "compete" with each other, they just

complement each other and work together to provide better performance for the application.

MEC（Multi Access Edge Computing）

Operator edge computing was originally called Mobile Edge Computing (MEC). The European Telecommunications Standards Institute

(ETSI) defines MEC as follows:

Mobile edge computing provides an IT services environment and cloud computing capability at the edge of the mobile network, inside

the Radio Access network (RAN), and close to the mobile user.

In 2017, the definition of MEC was amended to "Multi Access Edge Computing," reflecting the fact that edge deployments can actually

leverage a range of access technologies, including fixed networks. But the promise of edge applications is not limited to future 5G

developments. MEC brings network functions closer to the end user, enables operators to gradually open the network to third parties,

and enables enterprises to build private network environments in places such as smart factories, smart ports, and smart hospitals.

These business scenarios typically involve multiple applications that require the network to provide ultra-low latency and powerful

processing, computing, and storage capabilities at the edge. Data does not need to be sent back to the network center, but is processed,

stored, and delivered locally. 5G MEC technology also supports connectivity and compute integration, increasing the efficiency of

interactions withend users.