Edge computing here means processing IoT data on site instead of in the cloud. Benefits are lower latency with no need to send data to the cloud, less data transmitted, and privacy because data stays on the local network. Work continues when the internet connection is lost. Cloud storage and processing cost go down. Devices are gateways such as Raspberry Pi and industrial gateways, plus edge servers described as mini data centers. Fog computing is the layer between the edge and the cloud. Use cases are real-time control, including button presses in Smart Home, local automation rules, filtering and aggregation before the cloud, and offline operation.
Benefits
- Low latency: Process data on site, with no need to send it to the cloud
- Bandwidth savings: Reduce the amount of data that has to be transmitted
- Privacy: Data never leaves the local network
- Reliability: Keeps working even when the internet connection is lost
- Cost: Reduces cloud storage and processing costs
Edge Devices
- Gateways: Raspberry Pi, industrial gateways
- Edge servers: Mini data centers at the edge
- Fog computing: An intermediate layer between the edge and the cloud
Edge Use Cases
- Real-time control (such as button presses in Smart Home)
- Local automation rules
- Data filtering and aggregation before sending to the cloud
- Offline operation
See also: Hardware Platforms · Best Practices · Industrial IoT