Edge computing architectures play a vital role in making faster business decisions and optimizing operations with data. They can streamline customer experience and maximize employee efficiency. For example, edge computing helps the retail industry create more efficient shopping experiences with "walk out" checkout, where video analytics and real-time store data can automatically track customer purchases. Smart shelves can also detect when stock is running low and either alert employees or make automated orders for new stock, preventing disruptions and keeping inventory moving. But exactly how does edge computing work?
When joined with other innovative technologies like 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT), edge computing is the architectural backbone of many digital experiences, from augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and the nascent metaverse to connected cars, wearable health and fitness devices. So what is edge computing technology and how does edge computing work?
What is edge computing technology?
Edge computing is an architectural framework for moving computing resources such as data processing and storage closer to where that data is generated and used—or to the "edge" of a company's network.
In a centralized model, computing resources are usually located in a data center or cloud environment. That means that an application or device running elsewhere must send data to (and receive it back from) that central location for processing, analytics, storage, and other needs. There is inherent latency between data collection, processing and a response. This delay can cause a variety of performance issues, including slow load times in an application or degraded performance in a game or other immersive experiences.
By moving core compute capabilities (such as processing power or storage) closer to the data—and to end users, whether customers or employees—businesses can greatly increase speed and bandwidth, ensuring the highest-quality digital experiences. It has similar impacts on business systems and operations, by enabling data to not only be collected but also analyzed and acted upon in or near real-time. This can create tremendous business value in industries such as manufacturing, energy, healthcare, and many other sectors.
How does edge computing work?
In centralized computing, things like processing and storage rely on servers—lots and lots of servers—housed inside of a data center or cloud environment. Essentially, edge computing technology works by moving the server out of the data center and relocating it as close as possible to the application, devices, and data that need it.
In some cases, this means an actual, physical edge server. This is fundamentally similar to a traditional server but may come in a different form to suit its use case and requirements and is placed in close proximity to a data source.
More and more businesses are realizing they can adopt and implement an edge-computing architecture by leveraging the network and infrastructure of a reliable provider like Verizon. This gives them the reach and footprint to deploy devices and applications where they can deliver the most value. Relying on an existing edge network and solutions can help to maximize performance and minimize latency.
The benefits of edge computing
You're now able to answer the questions "What is edge computing technology?" and "How does edge computing work?" That's the foundation for understanding why it's so valuable. With so much data being generated from so many devices and applications, there is immense upside in the edge computing model. Edge computing is enabling better, faster digital experiences every day, not only for things like entertainment but also health and safety.
For businesses, the benefits of edge computing take root in several core advantages:
- Fast speeds and low latency: Edge computing improves some of the core measurements of application performance and user experience, across many industries and use cases, by increasing bandwidth and decreasing the time required for data processing and other needs. This can also boost overall system reliability by reducing the amount of data that must travel to and from a cloud or data center.
- Real-time analytics: By relocating compute power much closer to things like IoT sensors, edge enables businesses to not only collect but also analyze data at the source. In concert with technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and automation, this further enables organizations to implement, automatically in some cases, the next best actions based on their analytics.
- Improved operations and reduced costs, particularly in remote locations: Businesses can benefit from edge computing via insights from connected devices to help them perform tasks such as remote inspections and predictive maintenance. While relevant for all industries, those with remote infrastructures, such as the energy industry, can especially benefit.
- Enhanced security and privacy: Verizon’s edge computing architectures allow for better network segmentation and isolation that can improve security and privacy, in part by data never leaving Verizon Network between source and Edge, thereby reducing the number of hops, and generally limiting two-way traffic across a network.
Discover Verizon 5G Edge, and learn how businesses are extending the power of the cloud and Verizon's 5G network to innovate like never before.
The author of this content is a paid contributor for Verizon.