Edge servers are the next step in the domain of server technology. Artificial intelligence, machine vision, and deep learning offer room for innovation.
An edge server can bring server-like computation to the edge. They might be installed in NEMA enclosures, custom cabinetry in the desert, a closet, a warehouse, on a desk, or even right in the middle of a welding studio.
Edge servers process data physically, close to end-users and the on-site apps. These devices process requests quickly compared to centralized servers.
These devices process raw data and return content to client machines instead of sending unprocessed data on a trip to and from a data center.
Look at the two types of edge servers:
Content delivery network (CDN) edge servers deliver static content, such as images, videos, and web pages, to users more promptly. This is done by caching the content at edge locations closer to the users than the origin server. This reduces the distance that the content has to travel, which in turn reduces latency.
Edge compute servers are used to process data closer to the source of the data. This can benefit low-latency applications like real-time video streaming and autonomous driving. Edge compute servers can also reduce the load on central data centers.
In addition to these two main types, there are also several other types of edge servers, including:
Network edge servers provide network services, such as routing and switching, at the network's edge.
IoT edge servers can collect or process data from IoT devices.
5G edge servers support 5G applications, such as real-time video streaming and augmented reality.
Edge servers can empower next-generation computing in several ways:
Reduce latency:
Edge servers can significantly reduce latency by moving computation closer to the end user. This is critical for real-time response applications like self-driving cars and video conferencing.
Increase bandwidth:
Edge servers can also increase bandwidth by offloading traffic from the network core. This is important for applications that generate much data, such as 4K video streaming and virtual reality.
Improve security:
Edge servers can improve safety by reducing the amount of data that needs to be transmitted over the network. This makes it complex for attackers to intercept and steal data.
Reduce costs:
Edge servers can reduce costs by offloading computation and storage from the cloud. This can be especially beneficial for applications used in remote locations or with strict latency requirements.
Key Factors Going To Affect Edge:
5G:
By 2025, we will likely witness 1.2 billion 5G connections. High reliability and low latency represent a networked universe. It underpins new opportunities in some impossible industries. With the help of 5G, you can see a host of new applications that automatically enable low latency and the proliferation of edge computing.
Real-Time Response:
Real-time response in edge servers is promptly processing and responding to data. This is important for applications that require immediate action, such as self-driving cars, industrial automation, and medical devices.
Response time or speed is a must for the AL/ML solution. Typically, data-driven companies can’t afford to lag in speed as they tend to focus on brand reputation and customer service.
What else do you get:
It can improve the user experience by providing faster and more responsive applications.
It can reduce the risk of data loss or corruption by processing data closer to the source.
It can improve security by reducing the amount of data that needs to be transmitted over the network.
Software-defined Networking:
Software-defined networking (SDN) refers to a part of network architecture that separates the control plane from the data plane. The control plane decides how data is routed through the network, while the data plane is responsible for forwarding the data.
Industrialization of IoT Sensors:
Industrialization of IoT sensors is the process of using IoT sensors in industrial settings. This can involve using sensors to collect data on equipment performance, environmental conditions, or other factors impacting production. The data collected by IoT sensors can be used to improve efficiency, productivity, and quality control.
Augmented Reality(AR):
Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user's view of the real world, thus providing a composite view. Edge servers are small, distributed servers located closer to the end user than traditional cloud servers.
Multi-Access Edge Computing:
Multi-access edge computing (MEC) is a network architecture concept that enables cloud computing capabilities and an IT service environment at the edge of the cellular network and, more generally, at any network's edge.
The basic idea behind MEC is that network congestion is reduced by running applications and performing related processing tasks closer to the cellular customer, and applications perform better.
Bottom line:
Edge servers offer a range of functionalities such as 5G compatibility, real-time response systems, software-defined networking etc. With these functionalities, you can achieve more than your expectations.
