First, we have to discuss the terms Edge computing and IoT. And their prior usage in replacement of other digital gadgets we are using right now. IoT is abbreviated as the Internet of Things (IoT), and the use of this is very much explainable in an upcoming discussion.
The IoT device mainly collects all the required information from an object, and it sends it to an edge device rather than sending it directly to a central server…
Edge Computing is also important if we think about its use in daily routine. And edge computing has its own benefits in daily routine. An edge computing device receives the data, analyzes the data, and gives quick required results.
So in this way, the IoT device’s capabilities with edge computing analytics. That provides detailed information in a quick time.
Key Takeaways
- Edge computing processes data closer to the generation source, while IoT (Internet of Things) connects various devices and sensors to collect and exchange data.
- Edge computing reduces latency and bandwidth requirements by processing data locally, while IoT relies on centralized data processing and storage.
- Edge computing can enhance IoT by providing real-time analytics and processing capabilities, improving the efficiency and responsiveness of IoT systems.
Edge Computing vs IoT
In edge computing, the data is processed and analyzed at the point of its generation, which means there is no need to send data to centralized servers. It makes data reliable. In IoT (Internet of Things), different devices are connected through the Internet to share, analyze and retrieve data.
Device Capability is the main difference in IoT as it requires internet access. And mostly IoT has different sensors which they use for receiving and transmitting information.
These devices have specific functions. And they do not have operating software. IoT devices are less vulnerable to cyber-attacks on them. They cannot be updated easily.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Edge Computing | IoT |
|---|---|---|
| Data Processing | Decentralized data Processing | Centralized data processing |
| Internet-enabling | Not Required | Must be required |
| Multi-Purpose Usage | Yes | No |
| Resource Efficiency | Moderate | High |
| Functions Performed | Not Specific | Specific |
What is Edge Computing?
Edge computing is a structural design that handles computing nearer to the data. This means data is evaluated precisely at the gathering point. The same computing device collects and analyzes the collected data so that results can be received quickly.
Edge computing has the biggest advantage that we can get real-time control of our important processes. It also reduces limitations and network disruptions that are detrimental to critical business decisions.
Edge computing provides instant analytics of data. Let’s take a few examples of edge computing to understand the practical application. Many manufacturing and factory operations use edge computing to collect real-time data analytics about different processes.
Edge computing collects and analyzes information about different fields, e.g. agriculture it collects data regarding crop growth, quality of soil, sunlight crop needs, and many more.
These are some examples of edge computing applications. As we can say that, edge computing can appear similar to the IoT, but they are not the same by any means.
What is IoT?
If we talk about IoT, it is actually abbreviated as the Internet of Things. The Internet of Things (IoT) is an ecosystem of different interconnected items. This system consists of physical, digital, electrical, and computing devices.
And each of the devices has unique identifiers (UIDs), and through these UID, different devices communicate with each other on a connected network.
IoT is a device or ecosystem connecting the world through its working capacity.
Home automation is key in IoT applications. You can connect your everyday gadgets, for example, thermostats, fans, and lights. This enables you to turn the IoT ON/OFF from a distance.
Factories use IoT to automate many tasks. Primarily, they use IIoT (Industrial IoT) to control devices and get key performance metrics from them. Smart factories also influence IoT to systematize tasks in a manufacturing pipeline. None of these tasks require any human intervention.
In Supply Chain, we can use IoT devices to track item locations in a real-time way. Based on the information collected through IoT devices managers collects from them, they make e decisions regarding different supply requirements of items.
Many more examples we can code here, but I’m sure it’s been clear given you a clear idea of how common and useful the IoT is.
Main Difference Between Edge Computing and IoT
- Edge computing does need an internet connection for its working
- Edge computing can be locally operated, but not IoT.
- IoT is more specific to its functions, but edge computing does any function.
- IoT saves you from cyber attacks
- Edge computing is multi-tasking, but IoT is not.
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/7488250/
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/8567705/
Last Updated : 28 July, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
