Difference between edge computing and cloud computing

This page compares edge computing vs cloud computing and mentions difference between edge computing and cloud computing. The tabular difference between edge and cloud computing is also mentioned.

Introduction:
We have already seen cloud computing used for processing, analysis and storage of the data from client devices. Due to evolution of IoT (Internet of things) devices, huge amount of data are generated daily. Present cloud computing model is not capable to handle huge bandwidth data due to its latency, volume and bandwidth requirements. The edge computing is developed to check the data generated at the source to determine whether they have to be transported to the cloud or not. This way its bandwidth can be reduced on data highway.

What is Cloud Computing?

• Cloud computing is a model to enable convenient, on demand network access to shared pool of configurable resources e.g. servers, network infrastructure, storage, applications etc.
• Cloud computing has few essential features service models and deployment models.
• It provides services which can be accessed from any place and at any time.
• In cloud computing fog layer does not exist. All the end devices directly communicate with the cloud servers and cloud storage devices.
• Refer Cloud computing tutorial >> for more information.

What is Edge Computing?

The edge computing is optimization of cloud to move the compute closer to the data source where data is being generated.

Edge computing refers to delivery of computing capabilities of the network to improve performance, operating cost and reliability of applications and services. Edge computing uses nodes where data processing takes place known as "Edge Nodes". The figure depicts edge computing architecture.

Image Courtesy : IEEE

Edge computing is used in numerous applications which include surveillance, IoT (Internet of Things), automatic cars, Industry 4.0, healthcare and financial services etc. Refer advantages and disadvantages of EDGE COMPUTING >>.