What is Edge Networking and Why Does it Matter?

By Nikita Griffin, Edge Network Engineer, Fiberroad Technology

What Is Edge Networking?

Edge Networking describes networking in which processes are moved closer to the users. This minimizes latency because devices communicate with distant servers, creating a delay. Edge devices have different processing power, electricity, and network connectivity requirements. To ensure data delivery and processing, edge networking should be designed with failover management and redundancy. This ensures that the network can continue to serve users even if one node fails. Edge computing is transforming the way businesses do business.

To make Edge networking work, clients need to connect with an edge module nearby. The client devices connect with these modules, which improves their responsiveness and smooth operations. These devices can be anything from employee notebook computers to security cameras to internet-connected microwave ovens. Edge computing also enables businesses to improve operational efficiency by providing data to clients closer to where they need it. Ultimately, this technology will enable organizations to improve the efficiency of services while reducing costs.

edge networking and computing

Advantages of Edge Networking

#1 Improves Speed

This technology allows client devices to connect to a nearby edge module and processes information from there. A smartphone camera can use a facial recognition algorithm to identify a person’s face. This technology can also be used in security cameras and employee notebook computers to improve speed and accuracy. An internet-connected microwave oven is another example of an edge device.

Edge computing helps companies make the most of the capabilities of connected devices. This new technology reduces latency while delivering a seamless customer experience. Internet of Things devices, streaming services, and mobile applications are great examples of applications where Edge Computing can improve speed. It was made possible by three technological advances in recent years. Cloud computing broke the divide between hardware and software, while edge computing focuses on the principles of cloud computing. Edge computing can improve the speed of Internet devices and web applications. Edge computing enables data processing at the device rather than in the cloud.

#2 Improved Security

It improves security while maintaining a fast rate of digitisation. In recent months, Juniper has seen increasing numbers of organisations adopting edge security measures to counter the security threats associated with their networks. An edge deployment means data travels across a wide range of devices, reducing the need for centralized data centres. But security threats don’t stop there. As an example, imposter devices can replace legitimate hardware with illicit copycats. Organizations must verify the identity of connected devices to protect their data and operations from attacks. They should also ensure that the devices meet performance requirements. It may be necessary to perform forensic analyses to determine which edge devices are vulnerable.

To ensure optimal security, enterprises should implement edge networking capabilities to secure these devices. For example, a unified management console can provide a consistent view of security posture across the entire enterprise’s extended infrastructure. This system should also be capable of recording all system activities, establishing a baseline for security measures. Additionally, it can improve incident response and forensics. Edge security can help protect user devices from malware and other threats.

#3 Reduces Operational Costs

If you are looking for a way to cut operational costs, edge networking can help you. By reducing the infrastructure you must maintain, you can focus on delivering higher-quality service to your customers and improving your customer experience. Edge networks also provide superior connectivity, allowing you to respond quickly to changing demand and stocking requirements. Edge computing reduces latency by eliminating the need to move data from endpoints to the cloud. This is crucial for real-time applications such as autonomous vehicles and multi-camera video analytics. In addition, 5G deployments can take advantage of Edge computing to deliver better processing and lower latency.

Edge computing brings compute and storage closer to the device. This reduces latency and reduces overall data traffic. By enabling real-time data processing, edge computing can reduce network costs and improve performance. In addition, it enables IoT and mobile computing to run more efficiently. This is also possible due to the distributed architecture that makes edge computing so valuable. This approach reduces overall data traffic, which is important for businesses and consumers.

#4 It Is Reliable

While the reliability of network services is of utmost importance for any network, reliability in Edge Computing and IoT environments is even more important. The reliability of edge computing systems depends on how well they are designed and implemented. To ensure that the network will continue to operate even if a single device is down, edge computing systems must provide failover management and redundancy. This way, data processing and delivery can continue despite a single device failure.

For industrial users, low latency and reliability are of utmost importance. Industrial users need rugged edge devices, dedicated 5G networks, and wired connections. For connected agriculture, low latency will still be essential. On the other hand, environmental sensors will probably have lower data requirements and range.

Why Does The Edge Networking Structure Exist?

In a typical enterprise network, a client device connects to the nearest edge module, thereby improving processing efficiency and smooth operations. An example of an edge device is an internet-connected microwave oven or an IoT sensor. Although these devices are small and low-power, they provide the most efficiency. Edge devices are everywhere, from offices and buildings to jungles and swamps. As such, the edge network should include various devices and services.

Advanced edge networks are capable of processing and storing data at the edge. This enables more efficient real-time applications. For example, if a person scans their face with a smartphone, that camera would send the facial recognition algorithm to a cloud service. The algorithm runs on a local machine instead of a cloud service with edge computing. Other edge computing applications include augmented reality, virtual reality, and self-driving vehicles. These technologies are enabling more accurate and more precise results than ever before.

How Edge Networking improve the network application

Edge computing is a distributed IT architecture that processes client data at its source. Data is the lifeblood of modern business. It gives valuable business insight and supports real-time control over critical business processes. Businesses today are swimming in a sea of data. Huge amounts of data can be collected from remote sensors and IoT devices operating in inhospitable environments. This can be a significant challenge for businesses, and edge computing provides a solution.

The message takes longer when a device connects to a distant server. In contrast, edge computing uses a local router to route data to the point where it is generated. This allows the application to be executed quickly, even during power outages. Edge computing can reduce delays and wasted bandwidth by reducing the bandwidth needed to process data. This technology is ideal for businesses that need to send and receive data from many locations.

An edge network can help organizations reduce their dependency on individual data centres. Edge networks have several advantages, but they also come with risks. A network that has many edge nodes increases the risk of infiltration. This can make it difficult for a threat actor to access sensitive information through one breach. The benefits of edge computing are many, and the advantages are substantial. By reducing latency, edge computing makes web applications more accessible and seamless for the user. This technology has become popular among streaming services, mobile apps, and Internet of Things devices. These technologies are a combination of cloud computing principles, which break the boundary between software and hardware. In addition to providing a more localized computing experience, edge computing is designed to minimize risks and improve business processes.