What is edge computing?

What is edge computing

　　 The Internet of Things connects all the machines and equipment on the production line. Users can view the status of the equipment and production progress anywhere, providing mobile users with real-time manufacturing data. However, as more and more devices are connected to the Internet and a large amount of data is transmitted, a lot of pressure is placed on the network and cloud systems. In order to solve the problem of network congestion, edge computing came into being.

Edge computing

　　 Edge computing can be regarded as a kind of micro data center, which can process or store key data locally, and push all received data to the central data center or cloud storage. It can be said that edge computing is to extend the capabilities of the cloud to the industrial site. The data is collected, cleaned, and sorted through local computing equipment, and then transmitted to the cloud.

　　 In most cases, most of the data information will exist in the cloud, and edge devices, as a supplement to cloud computing, greatly improve the efficiency of connecting IoT devices to the cloud. Edge computing classifies data locally, so some of the data is processed locally, thereby reducing the capacity for central storage. Usually IoT devices transmit data to local computing devices. The data is first processed at the edge, and then part of it is sent to the company data center.

　　In many occasions, edge computing systems are required to process data, and then daily reports are sent to the central data center for long-term storage. The edge computing system reduces the amount of data on the network. At present, the application of edge computing in industry is embodied in several aspects, mainly for the monitoring and optimization of equipment and supply chain systems.

IoT edge computing

　　Equipment protection. With the integration and development of IT technology and industrial technology, on-site machinery and equipment are continuously upgraded and have some computing capabilities. For example, smart water pumps can use edge computing to perform basic analysis and set system safety thresholds. If the equipment exceeds the limit, execute it. The action of the pump shutting down. Edge computing devices for such applications mean that there is no need to connect to the Internet and no decision delays. As long as edge computing is installed on the device side, even if the connection to the cloud system is interrupted, critical tasks can be performed consistently.

　　 Supply chain optimization. To improve the efficiency of a factory, it is usually necessary to evaluate and optimize the entire production process, from product design, material procurement, manufacturing, sales, and logistics to analysis. Edge computing can obtain data from multiple sources in a short period of time, and analyze and sort them, which can adapt to the supply chain optimization plan in the business system.

　　Performance monitoring. The efficiency of machine operation affects the overall output of the factory, so usually equipment manufacturers will monitor their machines in real time, then using edge computing can obtain data in real time and solve on-site problems in time. Although a lot of data analysis can be performed in the cloud, the time value of some information is high, and response delays and waiting for decisions from the cloud may cause significant losses. Therefore, it is critical to use edge computing to analyze multiple data points from sensors in the factory in real time.