Edge computing

Introduction to Edge Computing

Edge computing is known as a decentralized approach to computing where data processing and data storage occur closer to the source of data. Computing ensures the elimination of physical distance, helps to minimize the latency, and promotes faster response time. Edge computing allows sending information locally rather than sending information via sensors and smart devices. Moreover, allows faster data processing with quick delivery in real time by bringing computing power closer to users and devices (Sriram, 2022). The approach is helpful in scenarios that demand real-time decision-making and quick analysis of data, such as smart city infrastructures and autonomous vehicles.

Advantages of Edge Computing

Low latency and enhanced performance

Latency is observed as the delay that occurs during the data travel, which causes slow performance. Since edge computing handles data near its source and minimizes the travel time. Therefore, the outcomes are faster and enhance the performance, especially for the applications and the demand for data in real time.

Stronger security and data protection

The centralized data centers, which are large, are targeted for cyber-attacks. The edge computing helps in protecting the data across each network, which means no single system has to hold so much information (Marr, 2020). The decentralized approach reduces the risk of cyber-attacks and secures the system.

Greater reliability

In many cases, if one system goes down, causes failure of the whole system. In this case, edge computing helps in processing the distributed tasks across multiple systems. Therefore, make sure the entire system is up on time and overall reliability.

Easy scalability

Sometimes, the system is complex to maintain centralized infrastructures that require software updates. In this case, edge computing helps in upgradation with minimal disruptions.

Benefits of edge computing

Source

Challenges of Edge Computing

System complexity

One of the major challenges of edge computing is managing the complexity of distributed architecture. Edge computing depends on decentralized modes and devices. As these modes include various types of hardware and manufacturing systems. Integrating these systems becomes complex, especially when there is a consistent community and across different platforms.

Security concern

One of the major reasons for edge computing is security. Especially in the case of the Internet of Things, requires various security features. Due to the poor encryption and outdated system, it processes attacks. Since these devices operate outside the protection layer of the security system, it becomes harder to monitor and secure.

Limited infrastructure and resources

The central facilities are equipped with various support teams, cooling systems, and powerful servers. Sometimes, they may face limitations regarding both storage capacity and processing power. In this case, system is challenging to run large volumes of data, and requires additional effort to plan the system.

Cloud computing

Cloud computing is known to deliver a wide range of computing services with the help of the Internet. The services include such as software, storage, database, and infrastructure to the platforms. Services are handled with data centers, which are known as clouds. The organization manages and operates through cloud service providers. Rather than maintaining and purchasing their own it infrastructure, many businesses use cloud service providers, which is in the pay-as-you-go model (Verma & Verma, 2021). Cloud computing offers many services, such as tools and solutions for business applications, to enhance the customer relationship model. Moreover, helps in accessing the permissions to enable maintenance to deploy the applications.

Advantages of cloud computing

Cost efficiency

One of the major advantages of cloud computing is cost reduction. In cloud computing, no need for heavy investment in software, infrastructure, and hardware systems. With the help of cloud services, businesses can use a pay-as-you-go model where users need to pay per the usage. In addition, the model reduces the energy consumption of on-premise data centers.

Virtually unlimited storage

In fact, cloud platforms provide large data storage capacity. The user stores large amounts of data such as videos, images, documents, and databases without worrying about space. As the data expands and grows, the organizations enhance the storage capacity without physically expanding the infrastructures.

Enhanced mobility and accessibility

Cloud computing helps applications to be accessed from anywhere using devices such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets with the use of an Internet connection (Shende & Chinchamalatpure, 2022). Moreover, the computing helps in better productivity and is particularly useful for remote workers who work across various locations.

Disaster recovery and data backup

Another advantage is the best disaster recovery solution. In case of any power failure, natural disaster, or any misfunction, the cloud quickly recovers. Also, the system helps in enhancing the information with a good backup plan and remains safe.

Benefits of cloud computing

Source

Disadvantages of cloud computing

Server interruption and downtime

The major concern of cloud computing is downtime. Since the cloud platforms are dependent on the connection of the Internet, interruptions can affect the services. The system leads to financial consequences where outages are substantial. The long outages consequently lead to critical operations.

Security and data privacy

As there is sensitive information involved in cloud providers, it is susceptible to unauthorized access and hacking. The cloud providers help secure the infrastructure by managing the security policies and permissions (Islam, et al., 2023). Moreover, misalignment and poor configurations lead to data exposure.

Limited control and customization

Another challenge of cloud computing is decreasing the level of control in infrastructure. As the physical infrastructure is managed with the help of a cloud provider, the users often face limitations in how to configure and interact with the back-end systems.

Conclusion

As there is a continuous evolution, both cloud computing and edge computing have become a prominent role in modern data processing. Cloud computing has the best centralized approach for managing the services and processing the data. The edge computing has increased response time and managed the centralized networks with enhanced monitoring. Cloud computing is a major support for systems such as big data analytics, machine learning, and media storage systems. Edge computing is also the best solution for fast-driven solutions in the organization to boost performance and increase the efficiency in the system. In summary, cloud computing is the revolutionized management of data with on-demand access and excessive data storage applications

References

Islam, R., Patamsetti, V. V., Gadhi, A., Gondu, R. M., Bandaru, C. M., Kesani, S. C., & Abiona, O. (2023). The Future of Cloud Computing: Benefits and Challenges. International Journal of Communications, Network and System Sciences, 16(04), 53-65.

Marr, B. (2020, Sep 16). 3 Advantages (And 1 Disadvantage) of Edge Computing. Retrieved from Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2020/09/16/3-advantages-and-1-disadvantage-of-edge-computing/

Shende, A. R., & Chinchamalatpure, M. (2022). A Comparative Study on Edge Computing & Cloud Computing. International Journal of Innovations in Engineering and Science, 07(08), 7-12.

Sriram, G. K. (2022). EDGE COMPUTING VS. CLOUD COMPUTING: AN OVERVIEW OF BIG DATA CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR LARGE ENTERPRISES. International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science, 04(01), 1331-1337.

Verma, A., & Verma, V. (2021). Comparative Study of Cloud Computing and Edge Computing: Three Level Architecture Models and Security Challenges. International Journal of Distributed and Cloud Computing, 09(01), 13-17.

Keywords

Decentralized architecture, cloud computing, Disaster recovery, Infrastructure management, Edge computing

Relevant Articles

Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing of Benefits and Security Challenges