This chapter introduces edge computing as a transformative paradigm that bridges the gap between data sources and centralized cloud computing. Defined as a continuum of resources—including computing, storage, and networking—edge computing brings processing closer to where data is generated. The chapter explores the origins of this approach, driven by the challenges of big data and the expansion of the Internet of Everything. It traces the historical evolution of data-centric models like distributed databases, P2P networks, content delivery networks, mobile edge computing, fog computing, and Cloud-Sea computing, each contributing to today s edge computing landscape. Concluding with a look at current advancements, it highlights the close relationship between edge computing and edge intelligence.
📝 Practice Questions
1. What is the "edge"?
2. What are the main characteristics that distinguish edge computing from traditional cloud computing?
3. Identify and explain the challenges that traditional cloud computing faces in handling the large volumes of data generated by IoE devices.
4. Why is edge computing necessary in the era of the Internet of Everything?
5. Explain examples of real-world applications for each use case presented in Figure 1.6.
6. Based on the background and evolutionary history of edge computing discussed in this chapter, what do you think are the key challenges that could arise during the development of edge computing?
📘 Course Projects
1. Analyze real-world case studies where edge computing is used to solve specific problems and understand why edge computing was necessary in each case. Case studies can be found from sources like https://lfedge.org/.
2. Conduct a comprehensive study of various open-source edge platforms to understand the capabilities, strengths, weaknesses, and potential use cases of each platform. The platforms to be researched could include, but are not limited to: LF Edge Projects (EdgeX Foundry, Akraino, and Open Horizon), Kubernetes for edge (KubeEdge, K3s, and MicroK8s), OpenFaaS.
3. Explore a basic edge computing use case and present a simple prototype. For example, smart home, healthcare monitoring. The prototype will involve the design of data processing system architecture, and operate on an edge device.
4. Explore a basic edge computing use case and present a simple prototype. For example, smart home, healthcare monitoring. The prototype will involve the design of data processing system architecture, and operate on an edge device.
📚 Suggested Papers
1. Mahadev Satyanarayanan. "The emergence of edge computing". In: Computer50. 1 (2017), pp. 30–39 | Paper.
2. Weisong Shi et al. "Edge computing: Vision and challenges". In: IEEE Internet of Things Journal3. 5 (2016), pp. 637–646 | Paper.
3. Weisong Shi, George Pallis, and Zhiwei Xu. "Edge computing [scanning the issue]". In: Proceedings of the IEEE107. 8 (2019), pp. 1474–1481 | Paper.
