Edge computing is simply localized data processing. But is it still edge computing if it is not connected to the internet? The answer is yes, it is still considered edge computing even when disconnected from the cloud. Edge computing is defined by processing data locally at or near the source—such as on local devices, IoT gateways, or on-premises servers—rather than sending it entirely to a centralized cloud.
But edge computing is often utilized as part of a larger system containing fog computing and cloud computing.
Let's look at the Pros and Cons of processing your data at the edge compared to central cloud processing,
Pros,
- Prevents network congestion while saving valuable bandwidth
- Reduced response times
- Ideal for real time technologies
- Reduced surface exposure to private data since the data is processed at the closest location.
Cons,
- Requires more hardware components
- Complex maintenance
Faults system developers make
- Taking security shortcuts: Anyone who has physical access to your edge devices can exploit it.
- Over Engineering
- Management Nightmare: Not designing with management in mind
- Not testing in real world production environment
- Not managing the limited resources effectively (Power, Memory etc)
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