What Is Edge Computing? 8 Examples and Architecture You Should Know

2021-12-01

The country is full of small-scale server operations. These operations are connected to each other through a network of fiber optic cables allowing for speedy and quality communication. This means that, in theory, the power and output of these small server operations are just as capable of providing the necessary value to the end-user, as one huge data center. This is an introduction into edge computing.

 

What is Edge Computing?

 

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Overviews

 

What is Edge Computing?

Edge computing is the process of storing individual user data as near to the source as possible. This could be at the periphery, or the edge, of an associated network. Many opportunities arise for the positioning of servers at the edge of a network, as well as data storage and processors. Due to the fact this data is closer to the user, it means it minimizes latency. This is a distributed I.T. network that ultimately leverages the minimal distance required. It increases the speed of service, and this generates the associated heightening of value.

 

How Does Edge Computing Work?

Location is the primary concern in edge computing. Due to the rapid rise of devices and the amount of data being transferred through the Internet, traditional data centers are struggling to keep up. Therefore, the focus is now being targeted to the infrastructure’s logical edge, relocating resources to the point of data generation. In essence, instead of data traveling to the data center, the data center is repositioned closer to the data. However, closer does not necessarily mean physically closer, it means closer in terms of the network and routing. Depending on the number of service providers a business utilizes, such as the cloud, etc., there could be many systems all potentially able to be the edge. Nevertheless, storage and servers are set up where the data is. All this requires is a small amount of computing setup to operate a remote LAN. Computing gear is applied to the network and protected against environmental factors in various ways. When the data is processed, the data stream is normalized and analyzed for business intelligence. The results of this are the only pieces of data that are rerouted back to the main data center.

 

7 Benefits of Edge Computing

There are many benefits of edge computing as it targets problems in the existing infrastructure:

 

Edge Computing Examples and Use Cases

In today's world of fast-paced technology, edge computing has gained significant attention. Here are some of the edge computing examples that are being implemented across various industries:

Edge technology has numerous useful applications, and the examples listed above are just a few of them.

 

Edge Computing Architecture Overview

After understanding the benefits and usage of edge computing, you would be able to see how edge computing and its applications can be found almost everywhere in our daily life. But do you know what edge computing architecture consists of and what key layers are involved?  

A typical edge computing architecture can be divided into three layers: The cloud layer, or the layer that is responsible for processing and storing all data; The edge layer, or the layer that handles the data processing near real time; And the device layer, or the layer that is in charge of detecting and performing simple processing. Let’s demystify the three layers in the edge computing architecture in the following paragraphs. 

Edge Computing Architecture Overview

Figure: Edge computing architecture overview

 

 

Cloud Layer 

Although edge computing was introduced to address network congestion and latency problems commonly found in cloud computing, cloud computing in fact still plays an important role in the entire edge computing architecture. We can say that cloud computing and edge computing complement one another. Through the edge layer described in the next section, the entire system determines if data needs to be processed in the cloud layer. If that is the case, edge servers will pass data to the cloud layer for complex processing. On the other hand, edge servers will also pass a part or critical data to the cloud layer for storage and comprehensive analysis. This also demonstrates the integration between both the cloud and edge layers.

 

Edge Layer

This layer mainly consists of edge servers, and when compared to the cloud layer, the edge layer contains edge servers that are larger in quantity and more vastly deployed. Therefore, through distributed edge computing, the edge layer can process data that is closer to the data source and address latency problems found in cloud computing. The edge layer can be considered the core in the entire edge computing architecture. After data from the device layer is analyzed and processed in the edge layer, data is transmitted to the cloud layer for subsequent processing and analysis. Data which cannot be processed in the edge layer can be sent to and analyzed in the cloud layer to ensure data integrity.   

 

Device Layer

Amongst the three layers, the device layer contains the most devices. Ranging from devices that are as small as our mobile phones or computers to ones that are as large as buses and factories, these devices are all examples of components in the device layer. Through their sensors, devices in the device layer collect and capture data used to help products achieve the purposes they are designed for. Equipment in a hospital collecting vital signs of patients and autonomous vehicles capturing data of other nearby vehicles are all such examples. Although components in the cloud and edge layers possess better computing power, the devices in the device layer can still perform data analyses, processing and storage tasks which require negligible computing power, as well as process data closest to the data source in almost real‑time.

 

 

Relationship between Edge Computing Equipment and Power Supply Units

In terms of edge computing equipment, power consumption is an inevitable issue. That is, the more functions there are, the higher the power consumption will be. In terms of electricity demand, as unreliable and dirty power sources are everywhere in the industrial IoT environment and some edge computing equipment is not in active mode, some applications will need energy storage systems to supply low power and an alternative power source. In terms of the wattage of power supply units (PSU), the equipment size and PSU size and wattage are proportional, i.e., the bigger the equipment is, the greater the wattage is required, and the larger the PSU size will be. For the edge computing unit to run more efficiently, unit design becomes simpler to shorten the response time. Hence, size reduction, efficiency enhancement, and thermal solution optimization have become the focus.

 

Effects of power supply units on edge computing performance

The OT deployment of edge computing is diverse in different sectors. In the manufacturing sector, the deployment focus is the protection and management of stationary industrial automation equipment. In the energy and utility sectors, remote access is the key to deployment. In the transportation, railway, mining, and agriculture sectors, mobility application is emphasized. Each section has its own standards and certification requirements to ensure the protection of the application of field-specific knowledge, best practices, and safety. Compared to the stable environment of traditional data centers, in response to the environment and hardware size of edge computing, the electricity efficiency, power density, and reliability of power supply units (PSUs) play an essential role. While “electricity” is the key, power disruption due to PSU instability is a prevalent, annoying issue. For example, whether or not power leakage when running at high voltage will affect hardware operation and even cause industrial safety issues when the load is high, or whether or not efficiency and stability of power supply can maintain the basic computing performance of equipment when the load is low. Although IT and the cloud environment can compensate for the defects in the former, hardware quality is still the major effect. While high-quality PSUs can prevent data loss, data distortion, and other issues in edge computing devices, for stabler and better performance of edge computing, quality PSUs are indispensable to edge computing.

 

Considerations of Choosing Power Supply in these Edge Computing Applications

One problem of edge computing may well be the need for power. It does not matter where the server is, it will require high-powered processors. Other considerations that will need to be made in reference to the power supply options include: installation location, input specification, operation temperature, IP rating (IEC60529) (IP - Ingress Protection), surge requirement, and power connectors. All these variables can affect the efficiency, effectiveness, and ability of the network to run continually, without any meaningful loss of power.

 

Edge Computing, IoT, and 5G Possibilities

Edge computing is an evolving entity with new technology being brought in all the time. All this enhances its availability, capabilities, and performance. More and more products are being specially made with edge technology. Decentralization of data is the future. 5G will have an effect on edge by increasing its capabilities, such as with the autonomy of vehicles. It will also make wireless networks much more flexible while reducing costs. Due to the fact that the IoT is still rapidly rising, it means that the development of edge computing will evolve alongside it. There will be scope for MMDCs (micro modular data centers) that are already in development and are about the size of a box. These MMDCs can be deployed close to where the data is needed. 

 

FSP's Edge Computing Power Supply Solutions

FSP has many edge computing solutions in operation. They are equipped with appropriate multi-communication technology to enhance any network. They have the best power supply installed and many associated functions. You can easily connect with these data centers and analyze the data schematics to enhance your business functionality.

 

FSP has complete CRPS product line, suitable for cloud, edge computing and other application fields.

FSP has complete CRPS product line, suitable for cloud, edge computing and other application fields.

About FSP

FSP Group is one of the global leading power supply manufacturer. Since 1993, FSP Group has followed the management conception “service, profession, and innovation” to fulfill its responsibilities as a green energy resolution supplier.

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