Edge computing is already a reality in many companies, but it is still far from reaching its maximum potential.
With the potential to revolutionize different areas, Edge Computing technology is essential for many industries, especially in applications that require real-time responses, such as autonomous vehicles and medical devices.
If you want to know what edge computing is, how it works and several examples of use, be sure to keep reading this article. Enjoy!
What is edge computing?
Edge computing technology is a paradigm shift that solves problems caused by the distance of data transmission. Instead of sending the information immediately to a central server or to the cloud, edge computing allows the data to be processed closer to where it was generated.
Whether it’s a smartphone, a self-driving car, or an IoT device, the idea is to perform as much processing as possible locally, reducing the need to send data back and forth over the network. This decentralization of processing accelerates the system’s response, making it faster and more efficient.
Thus, the delay in communication, known as latency, is eliminated or reduced to the minimum, which allows a number of benefits that we will talk about next.
How does edge computing work?
The operation of edge computing is based on the decentralization of data processing. Instead of relying on a central server or the cloud in order to process the data, devices or nodes at the edge of the network take on this responsibility.
If there is a need for heavier processing, or if the data needs to be stored for future use, it can be sent to a server. However, the initial decision and primary processing are performed locally, on the device itself.
This not only speeds up the processing response (reducing latency), but also reduces the amount of data that needs to be sent over the network, saving bandwidth and potentially reducing costs.
To perform this computation at the edge, devices can be equipped with more advanced hardware and software, which allow them to perform more processing locally. This can include micro data centers, edge gateway devices, and even advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques.
See also: Myths about Machine Learning: 12 things to know in order to understand more about the concept
Examples of using edge computing
Now that we understand what edge computing is and how it works, let’s get to know some of the numerous applications of this technology. Many of which, by the way, are already being utilized around the world:
- Autonomous Vehicles: Self-driving cars generate terabytes of data every second. They need to process this data in real time in order to make decisions about driving, speed, obstacle detection, etc. In this way, edge computing allows these decisions to be made locally, in real time, without the need to send data to the cloud;
- Smart cities: In smart cities, edge computing can be used in a variety of applications, such as real-time traffic monitoring, waste management, public safety, etc. For example, traffic cameras can process data locally in order to detect congestion or accidents and take immediate action, only to then transmit the data to a server;
- Smart Manufacturing: Another use of edge computing is in real-time monitoring of machines and processes, detecting anomalies, and predicting failures before they occur. This can improve efficiency, reduce downtime and increase the output in Industry 4.0;
- Retail: Tracking inventory in real time, monitoring customer behavior, and providing personalized shopping experiences can all be tasks for edge computing. Even in traditional areas, technology can innovate and make everyday life more practical and productive;
- Smart Agriculture: Edge computing is playing a crucial role in precision agriculture. Sensors placed on agricultural fields can collect data ranging from soil moisture to weather conditions. With edge computing, this data can be processed locally, allowing farmers to make informed decisions in real time in order to optimize crop yields;
- Renewable Energy: On solar or wind farms, edge computing can be used in order to monitor the efficiency of solar panels or wind turbines and adjust the operation in real time to maximize energy production;
- Logistics: Edge computing can help track goods in real time along the supply chain, improving efficiency and transparency. For example, sensors in a delivery truck can monitor temperature, humidity and other environmental factors in order to ensure the safety of perishable products, optimizing resources and raising the quality of services;
- Home security: Edge computing-based security cameras can analyze images locally in order to detect suspicious movements and alert owners, or competent authorities, without the need to constantly upload video feeds to the cloud.
As we can see, there are several areas where edge computing can be applied. Whether in professional or residential settings, this technology holds the great responsibility to transform the fields where it is applied.
Therefore, we will likely still see its use become wider, with solutions coming to the wider world in the next few years. We shall wait and see.
Do you like the article? Take the opportunity to also read about other relevant topics about technology:
