Edge computing is a vital aspect of our modern IT infrastructure. Its use can reduce latency, minimize bandwidth usage, and shorten response times.
This distributed computing methodology enables organizations to process data closer to its source and make decisions faster. This is referred to as operating at the edge.
For contrast, you can compare this with operating at the core, which refers to data being sent to centralized data centers and cloud environments for processing.
The edge is also a big and fast-growing business. Last year, global spending on edge computing rose by 14%, totaling $228 billion, according to market watcher IDC.
Looking ahead, IDC predicts this spend will increase to $378 billion by 2028, for a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 18%. Driving this growth will be high demand for real-time analytics, automation and enhanced customer experiences.
How does edge computing work?
Fundamentally, edge computing operates pretty much the same way that other types of computing do. The big difference is the location of the computing infrastructure relative to devices that collect the data.
For instance, a telecommunications provider like Verizon operates at the edge to better serve its customers. Rather than sending customer data to a central location, a telco can process it closer to the source.
An edge node’s proximity to end users can dramatically reduce the time it takes to transfer information to and from each user. This time is referred to as latency. And moving computing to the edge can reduce it. Edge computing can also lower data-error rates and demand for costly data-center space.
For a telco application of edge computing, the flow of data would look something like this:
1. Users working with their smartphones, PCs and other devices create and request data. Because this happens in their homes, offices or anywhere else they happen to be, the data is said to have been created at the edge.
2. Next, this customer data is processed by what are known as edge nodes. These are edge computing infrastructure devices placed near primary data sources.
3. Next, the edge nodes filter the user data with algorithms and AI-enabled processing. Then the nodes send to the cloud only the most relevant data. This helps reduce bandwidth usage and costs.
Edge is Everywhere
Many verticals now rely on edge computing to increase efficiency and better serve their customers. These include energy providers, game developers and IoT appliance manufacturers.
One big vertical for the edge is retail, where major brands rely on edge computing to collect data from shoppers in real time. This helps retailers manage their stock, identify new sales opportunities, reduce shrinkage (that is, theft), and offer unique deals to their customers.
Other areas for the edge include “smart roads.” Here, roadside sensors are used to collect and process data locally to assess traffic conditions and maintenance. In addition, the reduced latency and hyper-locality provided by edge computing can speed communications, paring precious seconds when first responders are called to the scene of an accident.
Inner Workings
Like most modern computers, edge nodes rely on a laundry list of digital components. At the top of that list is a processor like the AMD EPYC Embedded 9004 and 8004 series.
AMD’s latest embedded processors are designed to balance performance and efficiency. The company’s ‘Zen 4’ and ‘Zen 4c’ 5-nanometer core architecture is optimized for always-on embedded systems. And with up to 96 cores operating as fast as 4.15 GHz, these processors can handle the AI-heavy workloads increasingly common to edge computing.
Zoom out from the smallest component to the largest, and you’re likely to find a density- and power-optimized edge platform like the Supermicro H13 WIO.
Systems like these are designed specifically for edge operations. Powered by either AC or DC current for maximum flexibility, the H13 WIO can operate at a scant 80 watts TDP. Yet to handle the most resource-intensive applications, it can scale up to 64 cores.
Getting Edgier
The near future of edge computing promises to be fascinating. As more users sign up for new services, enterprises will have to expand their edge networks to keep up with demand.
What tools will they use? To find out, see the latest edge tech from AMD and Supermicro at this year’s MWC, which kicks off in Barcelona, Spain, on March 3.
Do More:
- Check out the AMD EPYC Embedded family