We are always looking for ways to make our lives simpler and more automated. To accomplish this, tech companies are prioritizing “smart” technology. But how does this type of technology work, and how does Edge computing play a role? To better understand this, you must go back to the basics.

 

What Is IoT?

IoT stands for “Internet of Things.” The phrase details objects — more specifically technological devices — that have sensors, software, processing abilities, and more that allow them to exchange data between other devices. The devices do this using the internet, amongst other communication networks. When you think of IoT, you can think of gadgets like smart fridges, virtual assistant devices, and self-driving cars that take in information quickly, process it, and produce either information or service in real time.

 

What Are Edge Data Centers?

Edge data centers are smaller data centers. Organizations that own these buildings ensure that data center installation takes place closer to the end users that the center will service. These facilities are becoming more common, though many people still operate under the misunderstanding that larger centers make up most of the market. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, larger data centers — those owned by major cloud providers — and national supercomputer centers comprise less than 10% of the overall server market.

Having edge data centers closer to the people who are utilizing their data center services, as well as operating in a smaller data center that does not need to process as much information, decreases latency — or the delay prior to a transfer of data between two devices. Information transfers to and from users quickly and reliably.

 

How Do They Work Together?

IoT devices benefit from being closer to the data centers processing their information. For this technology to function as promptly as users expect it to, it needs to be analyzed at the Edge, as opposed to traveling all the way back to a central data site for a longer analysis. As we rely more on IoT devices for services such as travel, the instantaneousness of information becomes more than convenient — it becomes a necessity for safety.

 

For more information on Edge data centers and IoT, contact the professional team at LDP Associates.