Today, you are going to learn about the differences between edge computing and cloud computing. The term “edge computing” stands for computing as a distributed paradigm, collecting data from storage and computing power closer to the device. On the other side, cloud computing deals with data from centralized storage.
According to CISCO, cloud computing is rising rapidly. However, despite the advantages, there are also some problems with cloud computing. We will discuss everything in this article. So, let’s start.
What is Edge Computing?
Let’s first understand the term “edge computing.” Both edge computing and cloud computing are types of data management. Edge computing is a distributed computing paradigm that works on bringing computing and data storage closer to the required location. Edge computing aims to improve response time and save bandwidth.
Edge computing starts its journey to eliminate the issues of cloud computing, with data overload and processing delays being the major concerns. IoT devices are also becoming an integral part of data processing, producing data on the outer “edge” of the networks. After completing the processing, they send instructions to the devices.
There are two types of edge computing – Cloud edge and Device edge. Cloud edge is the extension of a series of point-of-presence locations. The device edge represents the software operation on existing hardware.
Features of Edge Computing
Now, let’s discuss the features of edge computing. It offers faster speed and flexibility over cloud computing. Let’s discuss these in detail.
- Ultra-high Network Performance: Cloud edge offers at least 10 times more speed in performance. The control scaling is linear and independent, allowing CSPs to rapidly and effectively scale resources at the edge. For many companies, speed is vital to run their business, particularly those in the healthcare and financial sectors.
- Deployment Flexibility: Edge computing allows CSPs to deliver low-latency, multi-cloud services.
- Security: IoT edge computing devices provide some important security advantages. Traditional cloud computing is vulnerable to cyber-attacks due to technical weaknesses. The centralized structure of cloud computing is the main factor. Edge computing, with its distributed processing, storage, and applications across a wide range of devices, is protected from any single disruption.
- Reliability: Due to security advantages, the reliability of edge computing is better. Edge computing processes data closer to the source, reducing data flow.
- Scalability: When a company grows, the deployment of a dedicated data center becomes expensive. Here, edge computing takes the lead over cloud-based technology. Edge computing IoT devices allow businesses to scale their operations.
What is Cloud Computing?
In cloud computing, all data is stored and processed in a centralized location known as the data center. The devices connected to the data center need to access centralized data.
In cloud computing, the security level is decent, and the data is stored in the center, with only secure logins being accepted. There are very few chances of data leakage. However, there are some problems with this traditional setup.
The entire data is gathered in the data center, and the processing cost is higher when compared to edge computing and cloud computing.
Features of Cloud Computing
Now, let’s discuss the features of cloud computing in detail. The following are the characteristics of cloud computing:
- Resources Pooling: Cloud providers pool computing resources to provide services to multiple customers. Generally, customers have no control over the location of the provided data. However, they can identify the location at a higher level of abstraction.
- On-demand Self-service: One of the important features of cloud computing is the option of self-service. Users can monitor server uptime, capabilities, and network storage anytime. Users also get all the details regarding computing capabilities.
- Easy Maintenance: The servers are easy to maintain with low downtime, offering zero downtime in some cases. Cloud computing is also frequently updated to enhance its performance. Updated versions work faster and are more compatible with older ones.
- Large Network Access: The data is accessible from anywhere if the user has an internet connection. The process of uploading is also very easy. Users get full control of their data from anywhere at all times.
- Automatic System: Cloud computing can automatically analyze the required data. It also supports metering capability in some services, allowing users to monitor, control, and report usage. Both the host and customer benefit from transparency.
Differences Between Edge Computing and Cloud Computing
When we compare edge computing and cloud computing, the main point is the area of data processing. Centralized data processing in cloud computing is in sharp contrast to edge computing. Edge computing offers most processes, such as data storage and processing, at the edge. This main distinguishing point gives rise to some other differences as well.
When it comes to programming platforms, edge computing requires several different platforms, all with different runtimes. In contrast, you only have one platform to process the data with cloud computing.
Latency is another factor when working with cloud computing. Every time you want to access the data, the system has to reach the center. After data processing, the processed data will reach the user from the data center. This entire process takes some time, and we call it the latency period. But in edge computing, the latency period is very short. Sometimes edge computing offers zero latency in processing.
Also, the security requirement is different between edge computing and cloud computing. Edge computing requires advanced robust security planning, whereas, due to centralized processing, cloud computing doesn’t need that.
Conclusion
So, those were the main differences between edge computing and cloud computing. Many companies are now moving towards edge computing, with latency-free data processing being the main reason behind it. However, edge computing is not the only solution and has some challenges.
I hope this article was helpful to you. If you liked the article, share it with your friends. If you have any suggestions or doubts, do not hesitate to leave them in the comments section.
