Edge computing: what it is, how the technology works

Edge computing, also known as edge computing, is an Information Technology architecture whose objective is to process data quickly.

To achieve this, in practice, this technology processes data as close to the source as possible.

With countless devices producing data all the time, this information needs to be sent to servers.

This results in heavy processing , which places high demands on the network, generating a high degree of latency (delay in responding to the request).

After all, it takes time for data to leave the source, reach the destination, and then return to the source.

Edge computing was developed precisely to speed up this mechanism and facilitate data transmission .

So, after understanding what edge computing is, let's see how it works.

How does edge computing work?

Edge computing works based on edge services, which are more practical devices than traditional servers, established in controlled environments.

Edge services are designed to withstand adverse environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures, acting as an alternative to servers .

As we said, edge computing operates close to the data source.

In other words, edge services are located around a datacenter, receiving and transmitting information quickly , in layers.

Edge services can be operated by telecommunications companies, providers or in-house.

Edge computing enables the following:

• Decrease latency
• Increase performance
• Increase response agility
• Eliminate the need to transfer data to the cloud.

Use Case Examples

Edge computing has thousands of applications. Here are just a few use cases for this technology:

• Traffic cameras: cameras collect and process video data and transmit this information to web services that allow, for example, synchronizing traffic lights or informing entities about accidents or the traffic situation at a given point.
• City monitoring: Edge computing can be applied to monitor the streets of a city, increasing public safety, for example. This technology is also widely used in smart cities and self-driving cars.
• Retail: In retail , edge computing makes it possible to identify, for example, which product is out of stock on a shelf and automate the replacement of the item. This can be done using sensors on the shelves, which also make it possible to identify product theft, for example. Another application in retail is monitoring the flow of people in a store, to optimize the arrangement of products on the shelves.

How important is edge computing for companies?

Edge computing helps companies achieve their goals, with better and faster results .

In practice, as this technology brings data processing close to the source, it saves time in transmitting information, which is essential for a company's productivity.

Thus, edge computing increases the scope of technology's action, processing information locally , without the need to transmit data to a distant server.

For companies, this means faster processes, optimizing operations. In addition, this technology allows for faster internet speeds and reduced network costs.

For organizations that operate in offices that use the same online system, for example, this is very advantageous.

The benefits of edge computing

We have seen how edge computing can be beneficial for companies.

Now, we will provide more details about five benefits of this technology: agility, economy, security, reduced latency and control.

Agility

Edge computing leverages decentralized intelligence and, therefore, expands the possibilities of using technology and the speed of data processing.

Economy

One of the most interesting benefits of edge computing for companies is the savings in network costs.

As the data transmission process is faster, the company does not need to invest as many resources and efforts in this area.

Furthermore, this technology also reduces errors and rework, which prevents wasting financial resources.

Security

This security is guaranteed because the data is stored locally. This also makes it easier to meet guidelines and comply with LGPD regulations.

Decreased latency

Just as edge computing allows for increased connection agility between devices and networks, it also reduces latency in operations.

This means that there is no need to wait for data to be transmitted to a server far from the source of information, which can take a long time.

Additionally, edge computing allows you to extend bandwidth .

In other words, there is no limit to the volume of information that can be transmitted, which also contributes to reducing latency.

Control

Processing of data locally brings more control over the movement of data rather than allowing it to travel to the cloud to be processed somewhere else. This can save on service failures and optimize business processes.

Main uses of edge computing

Now that you understand the advantages of edge computing, let's take a closer look at the main applications that already occur in our daily lives.

Follow the list!

Video games

The video game segment already applies edge computing to online games.

In this case, it is not necessary to have a physical console to play the game.

What happens is that when the game is processed in the cloud, it depends on data centers and, therefore, the latency is high.

With edge computing, this problem is reduced, because the servers are brought closer to the player, which optimizes their gaming experience.

Smart vehicles

Edge computing enables the autonomy of smart vehicles, which move without depending on the cloud environment, through connection with specific sensors.

For transport management in general, edge computing facilitates the monitoring of passenger flow and helps to optimize the service.

Another application in this sense is to identify the best transit routes for cars or trucks.

Work safety

Just as edge computing can be applied to improve security in cities, it is also used to ensure workplace safety.

Sensors connected via edge computing transmit real-time information about the work environment, such as sound or temperature.

This possibility is especially important for functions performed in less favorable environments, such as industry or oil companies.

Agriculture

Agriculture also benefits from sensors connected by edge computing.

Some factors that can be monitored by this technology and that make all the difference to agricultural production are: pest control, soil conditions and climate conditions.

Industry

The industry currently relies heavily on innovations promoted by the Internet of Things , with machines performing work traditionally done by people.

In this sense, edge computing facilitates the connection of these machines and devices with the centralized information source to perform functions.

Education

In education, edge computing is an ally for online teaching , promoting better quality experiences for students.

Institutions can adopt specific tools that use this technology, ensuring the security of student data and speed of access, even when several students access the teaching platform at the same time.