IoT edge computing and data sustainability


By now, you must have gotten a clear picture of IoT and how it is aiding us by making our lives easier. IoT connects sensor devices and the internet for those new to this technology. These devices have sensors that collect the data and send it to the cloud over the internet. Now in the cloud, all the data processing happens. In simpler terms, sensors collect data and send it to the data centre, where it will be analyzed, and commands sent back to sensors. The entire process takes time, and processes are delayed. But then, how do we come up with a better tech solution? That's where edge computing steps in. Today we will be discussing IoT edge computing and data sustainability.

Edge Computing

Data storage and computing power move closer to the data source through edge computing processing. Take edge computing in processing to solve latency issues. Also, companies can save a ton of money by processing the information locally rather than depending on a centralized unit.

Before edge computing to scan a person's face with a smartphone, one would run a face recognition algorithm through a cloud-based service, and it would take a lot of time. But now, with edge computing, an algorithm can be run locally on an edge server.

Data collected at the edge is broadly categorized into three sections.

  • Immediate attention is needed

  • Should be retained for later analysis

  • Can be ignored

By distinguishing between these types of data, figure out what level of response to be given. Real-time response is provided because of low latency.

Data Sustainability

One click on your six-inch smartphone, and boom, you can access the entire world. All the doors are today open with plenty of opportunities and ample possibilities. This is made possible with the breakthrough of the internet in the early 1980s. Humanity made proper use of their blessing, and today, after 40 years of this invention, we can safely say the world has never been more connected. With the advancement in technology today internet resides in everything from your morning coffee to bed warmers the night. The potential of different devices has risen upon collectively connecting to the internet. We are leading our lives brighter and more efficiently with the developments in the field of IoT.

Depending on how we utilize this technology, it can be turned boon or bane. If we talk bluntly, we must make sustainable choices for this technology to stay longer with us.

While processing, centralized data centres emit high carbon emissions and consume a lot of energy. But now, a few are moving towards making greener choices. We are cutting unnecessary traffic, computational power, and storage by shifting to edge computing.

How can edge computing help the world become more sustainable?

  • London estimates to save 70% of their electricity usage and cost through an innovative public lighting system.

  • Food temperature is tracked by taking and giving live updates; therefore, no food will be wasted, and the desired temperatures are maintained for food not spoil.

  • Walmart employs a hybrid system with 10,000 edge nodes across the company, reducing cost and dependency on the cloud.

  • Facebook started a project in 2011 to share software and hardware resources through various ways, like the cloud, to make computing more accessible.

IoT has come a long way, with its devices surpassing the earth’s population. Today we are dependent on IoT for almost everything in life. But IoT combined with edge computing is helpful to cut down unseen costs. By moving data processing closer to the edge, we are reducing unnecessary use of bandwidth and cloud traffic. Dependency on the central cloud is reduced, saving a lot of energy drains. On the other hand, cloud computing offers many benefits but not without downsides. Cloud computing can again leverage these disadvantages by reducing bandwidth and server capacity and reutilizing underused device capabilities.

Conclusion

Few would contest that technology will continue to live with us, and technology suppliers must collaborate to develop sustainable solutions to fulfil these expanding expectations. Edge computing has the potential to play an important role in helping to limit the adverse effects that come along with increasing energy needs, even though it is not the only option. Please let us know your stance on edge computing and whether you think this technology is here to stay. And also, write back to us if you agree or not with saying edge computing is a new-age solution for data sustainability.

Updated on: 21-Feb-2023

109 Views

Kickstart Your Career

Get certified by completing the course

Get Started
Advertisements