A Simple Introduction to Computing at the Edge

Definition of Computing at the Edge

Computing at the Edge has not been around for long. There are many definitions of this concept, but one that is widely accepted is: Computing at the edge is the provision of cloud and IT services for application developers and service providers at the network edge closest to data input or users, with the aim of delivering computing, storage, and network bandwidth.”

What are Edge Computing Services?

In simpler terms, computing at the edge is essentially a service, similar to cloud computing and big data services, but this service is very close to the user. Why so close? The goal is to make users feel that everything they do is lightning fast, no matter what content they are accessing.

The focus of computing at the edge is to solve the problems of high latency, network instability, and low bandwidth in traditional cloud computing (or central computing) models. For example, almost everyone has encountered a 404 error on a mobile app, which is often related to network conditions and cloud server bandwidth limitations.

Due to resource constraints, cloud computing services inevitably suffer from the effects of high latency and network instability, but by migrating some or all processing programs to locations close to the user or data collection points, computing at the edge can greatly reduce the impact on applications under the cloud central model site.