Challenges and Opportunities in Edge Computing

TL;DR

Edge computing shifts computational tasks closer to data sources like smartphones and routers to improve performance, but introduces new challenges that need addressing for effective deployment.

Contribution

This paper discusses the key challenges and opportunities associated with adopting edge computing in modern network architectures.

Findings

Edge computing can reduce latency and bandwidth usage.

Implementing edge computing involves significant infrastructural and security challenges.

Opportunities include improved QoS and new application possibilities.

Abstract

Many cloud-based applications employ a data centre as a central server to process data that is generated by edge devices, such as smartphones, tablets and wearables. This model places ever increasing demands on communication and computational infrastructure with inevitable adverse effect on Quality-of-Service and Experience. The concept of Edge Computing is predicated on moving some of this computational load towards the edge of the network to harness computational capabilities that are currently untapped in edge nodes, such as base stations, routers and switches. This position paper considers the challenges and opportunities that arise out of this new direction in the computing landscape.