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Edge Networking

A distributed computing topology where information processing is located close to the edge—where things and people produce or consume that information.

Categorynetwork

Overview

Edge networking moves networking and compute resources closer to the end-user or IoT device. This is driven by the need for ultra-low latency and the massive volume of data generated by modern applications.

Key Components

  • Edge Nodes: Small data centers or servers located in cell towers, branch offices, or even on-premises.
  • Local Breakout: Allowing traffic to go directly to the internet or a local edge node rather than being backhauled to a central data center.
  • 5G/MEC: Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) leverages 5G networks to provide compute power at the edge of the cellular network.

Use Cases

  • Autonomous vehicles that need to make split-second decisions.
  • Industrial automation and robotics.
  • Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR).

Related Terms

Fog Computing