In the constant back and forth between centralized and decentralized IT, we are beginning to see the limitations of IT that relies on hundreds or thousands of servers running applications in consolidated data centers.
New types of workloads, distributed computing, and the advent of the Internet of Things have moved computing toward the edge of the network.
Instead of centralizing all computing in the data center, companies are finding that processing at the edge of the network (Edge Computing), brings computing closer to a mass of data - but also brings a new set of challenges to the network.
What is Edge Computing and what are its main challenges
Edge Computing or edge computing is a distributed information technology (IT) architecture in which client data is processed at the edge of the network, as close as possible to the source of origin.
Data is the lifeblood of modern business, providing valuable business information and supporting real-time control over critical business processes and operations.
Today's enterprises are awash in an ocean of data, and vast amounts of data can be routinely collected from sensors and IoT devices operating in real-time from remote locations and inhospitable operating environments almost anywhere in the world.
But this virtual flood of data is also changing the way businesses handle computing. The traditional computing paradigm built on a centralized data center and the everyday Internet is not adequate for moving infinitely growing rivers of real-world data
Bandwidth limitations, latency problems, and unpredictable network outages can conspire to undermine these efforts. Enterprises are responding to these data challenges through the use of edge computing architecture.
In simpler terms, edge computing moves some of the storage and compute resources out of the central data center and closer to the source of the data itself.
Instead of transmitting raw data to a central data center for processing and analysis, this work is performed where the data is actually generated - whether in a retail store, a factory floor, a sprawling utility, or a smart city.
Only the output of this edge computing work, such as real-time business insights, equipment maintenance forecasts, or other actionable responses, is sent back to the main data center for review and other human interaction.
Here are the most important challenges of Edge Computing that companies should keep in mind.
1. network bandwidth
Network bandwidth changes as companies move computing and data to the edge. Traditionally, companies allocate more bandwidth to data centers and less bandwidth to terminals. Edge computing is driving the need for more bandwidth on the network.
2. Distributed Computing
Enterprises will need to consider presence location as an additional aspect of the computing use case . Consolidated computing models are dissipating and the network is a key computing element, due to more east-west traffic.
Edge infrastructure always needs to be sized appropriately, for example, distributed computing in a remote micro data center can consume as many resources as in a centralized data center.
3. Latency
By locating Edge Computing - where computing is closest to the data being collected - application latency is reduced along with decision-making latency. Less movement back and forth from edge to center means faster responses and actions.
But with computing located at both the core and the edge, application data traverses the network in each direction, sharing data and dealing with access rights.
4. Safety and accessibility
With computing and applications centralized in one data center, companies can standardize technical security and physical security by building a virtual wall around resources.
Edge computing changes the security footprint by requiring remote servers to have the same network and physical security models to reflect location and traffic patterns.
IT teams will need to clearly map user access, as edge computing may require access rights for users on significantly more devices.
5. Backup
The edge computing model is typically driven by the location of data creation. Enterprises need an overall data protection strategy that can understand data regardless of location.
Network bandwidth requirements will be as critical as storage media considerations when deciding how to protect these assets, because backing up over the network may not make sense.
6. Data storage
Data is an important business asset, and collecting it at the edge brings new challenges and can create liabilities if it is not handled according to existing data handling rules.
7. Control and management
The location of the edge can be flexible - within an enterprise, a private cloud, or even a public cloud - but management and control need to follow the same procedures and protocols, regardless of the physical location of the edge.
Ideally, enterprises will use the latest orchestration tools to help manage and control applications consistently, regardless of location.
8. Scalability
Adding more connected devices at the edge increases the overall scale of everything IT teams work with. Edge computing doesn't just involve more servers at the edge, but an increase in scale in all IT disciplines: computing, networking, storage, management, security, licensing, etc.
Companies need to understand this as they move applications to the edge network: Edge computing doesn't just involve more hardware at a remote location, its effect scales to everything IT touches.
Contact the experts at Conversys now to learn about Aruba Networks' security, network management and connectivity solutions. We're here to help you meet your new challenges.
About Conversys
Conversys IT Solutions is a provider of Information Technology and Communication services and solutions acting all over Brazil.
With a highly qualified technical and commercial team and a partner network that includes the main global technology manufacturers, Conversys IT Solutions is able to deliver customized solutions for IT Infrastructure and Telecom to its clients.
We invest in our employees and partners and strive for a long-lasting relationship with our clients, because we believe that this way we gain the skills and knowledge necessary to innovate and generate value to the businesses in which we operate.
