Are Your Communications On The Edge?
Doug Bannister, Founder & CTOÂ
February 22, 2019
Edge computing is becoming more prevalent and with its growth comes impact. Various types of edge computing affect communications and their deployment. There are lots of factors involved in edge computing and to be able to optimize it in communications, you must understand how its deployed, used and what security concerns it may bring.
Edge computing enables a real-time exchange on mobile and wireless platforms by taking the load off monolithic data processing centers and the cloud, shifting it to the devices that make up the Internet of Things (IoT). It makes processing data closer to where it was created possible. This can be within a device itself or close to the device.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF EDGE COMPUTING
There are four kinds of edge computing: mobile networks, enterprise, IoT, and device.
Mobile Networks: For mobile communication providers, the edge remains on fixed and/or mobile network facilities, which translates to a number of possibilities such as decentralized core data centers, central offices, network aggregation points, eNodeB, or base stations.
Enterprise: Enterprise edge describes compute workloads residing on an enterprise’s location to keep data and processing localized. This option may be in place to address latency or for compliance reasons. It could also be processed in combination with the telco network or centralized clouds.
IoT: The IoT edge may be completed in an on-site gateway to reduce the amount of data sent to the centralized cloud or also for latency or compliance reasons.
Device: The device edge is a large set and includes all IoT devices, surveillance cameras, autonomous cars, and smartphones.
THE VIABILITY OF EDGE COMPUTING TODAY
Edge computing isn’t new, but several drivers are making it more viable today than ever before. The costs associated with it are decreasing. There is more computing power executed in smaller footprint devices. The amount of data is massive and will continue to grow. Finally, modern machine learning and analytics make it a very in-demand technology.
EDGE COMPUTING FOR COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS: OPTIMIZING FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE
We live in a data-heavy world, one that will only grow. With billions of devices connected to the internet, the expectation is for it to be fast and reliable. Fortunately, not all devices use cloud computing, which is where edge computing enters the picture.
The communication layer of edge computing represents the medium of data transmission that should be secure from attacks. The communication layer has two parts: local communication and long-range communication. In a local communication scenario, the endpoint device talks to one or more edge gateways, allowing for entry to the enterprise network after authentication. Long-range communication works differently in that edge gateways communicate with one another or a centralized cloud platform through an orchestration layer.
With long-range communication layers, cloud security is vital. Sensitive data should move from edge computing gateways to an encrypted cloud. There is a need for an edge orchestrator, which is a software layer for the management and configuration of edge devices. This allows for the movement of encrypted data from edge to master with ease. Digital certificates are also critical as they play a role in the authentication of cloud and third-party applications attempting to communicate with the cloud service.
Orchestrating the cloud-based network and intelligent edges to benefit from low-latency and high-performance involves combining intelligent edge solutions and a centralized service control center. There you can realize compute power at the edge and a cloud-based, centralized platform to orchestrate it all.
EDGE COMPUTING AND HUMAN-CENTERED DESIGN: WHAT IS THE KEY TO PROPER COMMUNICATION?
With so many personal computing devices out there in the world, there are new challenges ahead. It’s been the catalyst for human-centered design, blurring the lines between man and machine.
Edge computing in a new frontier in communication, creating an architecture of one or more collaborative multitudes of computing nodes, which are set between the sensor networks and cloud-based services. This level enables a large amount of data to be processed, reducing retrieval time. It also allows for more control over the data.
EDGE COMPUTING AND DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS
In the world of digital communications, edge computing is changing how data is processed and analyzed. This is especially important when businesses depend on digital communications to drive action and decision-making. Edge computing delivers almost limitless applications—from integrating facial recognition to language processing.
Edge computing and cloud computing are delivering a future full of possibilities for digital communications. But to get the most out of edge computing for communications systems, businesses must have a partner that understands the different forms of deployment, security considerations, and how to properly communicate as technologies and devices continue to evolve. By partnering with Omnivex, organizations can take advantage of this new technology now and stay in pace with advancements in communications delivery.
DOUG BANNISTER
Founder & CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER
Doug is Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Omnivex Corporation.
Doug is considered by many as a visionary in the digital signage space. In his role as CEO and CTO, Doug is responsible for the long term product architecture and the overall vision for the company. He has always maintained direct responsibility for the architecture of the software to ensure the product remains at the forefront of the industry. Combined with his vision, leadership and experience as an entrepreneur in the LED sign market, Doug has used his understanding of customer requirements and knowledge of technology to create one of the leading software solutions for the digital signage industry.
