Whenever you hear about computing, you expect things to be sent somewhere far away. Not all the time is it advantageous to send every bit of information to some mysterious distant machines. There are times when a nearby computer would be better to get things working again. Edge computing is a field that studies how to put computers closer.
Why the Location is Important for Computing
According to the first text, IBM describes what edge computing is. Edge computing is an umbrella term for things that happen when programs are put closer to their origin. Whether if means taking information from the nearest database or using a nearby server to access information, computers are able to cut down on extra steps that would be created otherwise.
“Edge” is a loose term here, as the nearest location could range from a device, computers attached to devices, and other options. As seen in IBM’s description, there are many different ways that computing could be pushed towards its source.
A good example for this is if one were using a camera on an assembly line. If a quality control system detected something defective on the line, it would have to send this information to a nearby computer in order to find instructions on what to do. If it sent this information someplace far away, the image of the defective product would have already been moved on. In that example, one could see why getting information close could sometimes be the fastest way of doing things.
According to IBM’s text, faster reaction speeds and lower bandwidth are a few of the advantages of having machines closer to their sources.
With the increase in devices comes an increase in need. It is impossible to say how much of an advantage it is to put in a machine in the next room if there is an entire building away. According to IBM’s second text, edge AI is when edge processing meets artificial intelligence. It is possible for some applications to run without any sort of connection. One thing it says is that applications like smart camera, wearables, and robots are becoming more common.
It doesn’t just matter if processing is done elsewhere, but how much it can do. IBM says that smaller sizes of Artificial Intelligence are enabling better uses of edge computing. Although that might be the case, there will have to be specific devices that will take advantage of that.
This means that if it comes to a device, the computer in charge would have to either be closer or be given more power. If it comes to faster reactions time, than machines have to be closer to their sources. Otherwise, computing has advantages elsewhere.
Bibliography
1. IBM. “What Is Edge Computing?” What Is Edge Computing IBM Think .
2. IBM “What Is Edge AI?” What Is Edge AI? IBM Think .