«Cloud computing» has become very popular in the last ten years. But edge computing is a brand-new idea that is starting to take hold. In recent years, edge computing has gained popularity, and in the years to come, its uptake is expected to increase. In what ways does edge computing vary from cloud computing, then? 

Edge computing is a distributed computing paradigm that processes data closer to the network’s edge, where it is generated, instead of transmitting it to a centralized data center. The term «edge of the network» describes internet-connected gadgets and sensors, such as mobile phones, laptops, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Edge computing is used to process the enormous amount of data that these devices produce in real-time. Bringing processing near the data source is the notion behind edge computing, which may lead to quicker processing times and lower latency. This is crucial for real-time processing applications, including driverless vehicles, industrial automation, and remote medical monitoring. 

There are various ways that edge computing differs from cloud computing. In cloud computing, data is transmitted back and forth between the end user and the data center while being processed and stored centrally in a distanced data center. The amount of data that must be transferred to the cloud can be significantly reduced via edge computing, which processes data at the network’s edge. This may result in shorter processing times and less bandwidth usage. 

The degree of control that the end-user has over their computing experience is another distinction between edge computing and cloud computing. Because data processing and storage are handled by the cloud provider in cloud computing, the end-user has limited control over these processes. Because they may pick where the data is processed and kept, end users have more control over edge computing’s data processing and storage. Compared to cloud computing, edge computing has several benefits, including lower latency, better data privacy and security, and fewer bandwidth needs. Lower latency is crucial for real-time processing applications like autonomous vehicles, where even a tiny delay in data processing can have serious repercussions. 

Enhanced data security and privacy are also important benefits of edge computing. The frequent data transmission between the end user and the cloud provider during cloud computing can raise the danger of data breaches and cyberattacks. The risk of data breaches and cyberattacks can be greatly reduced by edge computing, which processes data locally. Another benefit of edge computing is that it requires less bandwidth. Businesses that employ cloud computing can save a lot of money since less data needs to be transmitted back and forth between the end user and the cloud provider as data is processed locally. 

In summary, edge computing is a distributed computing paradigm that moves data processing closer to the network’s edge, where the data is generated. Compared to cloud computing, it has several benefits, such as lower latency, better data privacy and security, and a need for less bandwidth. Although edge computing is still in its infancy, it is anticipated to expand in the years to come as businesses continue to seek faster processing times and better data privacy and security.