Difference between edge computing cloud computing and fog computing
This page compares edge computing vs cloud computing vs fog computing and mentions difference between edge computing, cloud computing and fog computing.
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.
Moreover it is expected to have about 50 billion IoT devices to be online by the year 2020.
Present cloud computing model is not capable to handle huge bandwidth data due to its latency, volume and bandwidth
requirements. The fog computing and edge compuring have been developed to address all the issues faced by cloud computing model.
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➨Cloud computing : Storage lies away from the data source. This leads to more bandwidth utilization and higher latency.
➨Fog computing : It lies between edge and cloud computing to minimize use of bandwidth and to reduce latency which increases performance.
➨Edge computing : In this type, computing is moved towards data source. Here bandwidth is cheaper and latency is not a issue.
It is used in applications requiring autonomy e.g. self driving cars and industry 4.0.
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 >>.
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.
• Cloud deployment model represents specific type of cloud environment, which is primarily distinguished
by ownership, size and access. Based on this, there are various models viz. public cloud, private cloud, hybrid cloud, community cloud, multi-cloud,
distributed cloud etc. Cloud computing service models include IaaS, PaaS and SaaS.
• Public cloud is publicly accessible cloud environment owned by a third party cloud provider.
Examples are AWS (Amazon Web Services), Microsoft Azure, Google Compute Engine etc.
• A private cloud is owned by single organization. Private clouds enable a organization to use cloud computing technology as means of
centralized access to IT resources.
• Refer Cloud computing tutorial >> for more information.
What is Fog Computing?
Fog extends the cloud close to the devices which produce or generate the data. The devices are called fog nodes. The device with network connection, storage and computing feature is known as fog node. Examples include switches, controllers, routers, servers, cameras and so on. The fog computing is also called edge computing.
Fog computing is maily used for following.
• To analyze most time sensitive data at the edge of the network close to where they are
generated rather than sending huge amount of data to the cloud. It acts on IoT data in milliseconds.
• To send selected data to the cloud for analysis and long term storage.
• To provide services to large number of devices spread across large geographical region.
• To address devices subjected to extreme conditions.
• Refer Fog computing tutorial >> for more information.
Difference between edge, cloud and fog computing
Following table mentions difference between edge, cloud and fog computing.
| Requirements | Edge Computing | Fog Computing | Cloud Computing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latency | Low | Medium | High |
| Jitter | Very low | low | high |
| Distance between client and server | No hops | one hop | multiple hops |
| Security | Undefined | Can be defined | Can be defined |
| Data enroute attacks | Very low probability | Low probability | High probability |
| Target user | Mobile users | Little mobility users | general internet users |
| scalability | limited | little to few | more scalable |
Cloud computing and fog computing Related Links
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Advantages and disadvantages of fog computing
Fog computing architecture
Main IoT tutorial
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