IoT, Edge Computing, You
The Internet of Things (IoT) is expanding and incorporating more “things” every day, which is great for accessibility and availability of data – but at some point, processing all the data that IoT devices within your enterprise generate could begin to overload your systems.
However, there is a better way – Edge Computing.
What is The IoT?
The Internet of Things uses a system of unique IDs (UIDs) to allow systems to communicate with each other. These systems can be as diverse as computers, kitchen appliances, sensors and alarms, thermostats, smartphones, and more besides. (1)
What is Edge Computing?
In modern businesses, a networked environment is commonplace. A central server (or multiple servers) hold the data, documents, files, etc for the business, and devices connect to this central location to process and exchange data.
Edge Computing flips this on its head, focusing on processing data in the location it is generated, rather than centrally. (2)
How Does Edge Computing Benefit the IoT?
Simply put, processing data at a central location causes a bottleneck. No matter how fast the central processing may be, the outlying device has to wait its turn for the data to be processed. This may only take a few seconds but processing the data at the edge of the network eliminates this wait and reduces the bandwidth used.
With mobile devices connected to 4G or 5G, this bandwidth reduction could in itself be critical. Many 4G and 5G connections have limitations on the amount of data that can be sent and received before the cost increases – less data transmission results in lower bills.
With high-powered smartphones and other IoT devices now flooding the market, Edge Computing is a reality – the ability to process data within these devices may already exceed what a central server can achieve.
Furthermore, if a connection is not available, it allows work to continue without having to rely on feedback from a central location. Take, for example, the work of translation software – if a translation can be provided through a smartphone without sending data backwards and forwards, how much more effective would the system be?
When this thought process is applied to the whole IoT, fantastic avenues are opened up.
Choosing the Right Devices
A professional Mobility Lifecycle Management (MLM) company is the best choice for defining a specification for your Edge Computing requirements. With user support and expert knowledge of how the IoT works, you’ll be placing your future in safe hands.
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