Edge Network

Edge Network Definition

Edge networking is a distributed computing paradigm that brings computation and data storage as close to the point of request as possible in order to deliver low latency and save bandwidth.

Diagram depicts the connection with the cloud and data centers with edge network computing.
Source: Lanner Electronics

FAQs

What is Edge Network?

The goal of network edge computing is to physically move computation away from data centers towards the edge of the network, therefore reducing the strain on data centers, which are inundated with IoT device data and therefore cannot always deliver acceptable response times.
Creating an edge computing network is accomplished by decentralizing data centers and exploiting smart objects and network gateways to provide services on behalf of cloud computing.

Specialized branch routers and network edge routers located at the network boundary typically use dynamic or static routing capabilities via Ethernet to send or receive data between the internal and external network. Moving services closer to network edge locations facilitates content caching, storage, IoT management, and service delivery, which contribute to improved transfer rates and response times. The edge high speed data network is key to successful 5G rollouts, which require edge computing architecture to avoid bottlenecks.  

The edge computing network architecture can conserve network resources by offloading network traffic, thereby reducing network latency and bottlenecks. Amazon’s CloudFront edge networking service delivers content to end users with low latency by exploiting a global network of edge locations, which includes 205 edge locations and 11 regional edge caches in 84 cities across 42 countries.

In addition to the benefits of a distributed architecture, there are also risks associated with an increase in endpoints for data gathering and interacting with third parties throughout the global edge network. The broader a network is, the more vulnerable it becomes to infiltration. With the rise of machine learning and IoT edge networks in smart homes and smart cities, it is more important than ever to employ network edge protection measures that can help block DDoS attacks, ransomware attacks via routers, zero-day exploits, and attacks via customer-facing, third-party applications.

Edge computing network security consists of perimeter security, application security, threat detection, vulnerability management, and patching cycles. Hardware and services that combine comprehensive SD WAN capabilities with comprehensive network security functions, such as secure web gateways and firewalls as a service, in order to help enable edge security are categorized as Secure Access Service Edge (SASE).

Difference Between Network Edge and Network Core

A network core functions to interconnect various parts of a network and provide a path for the exchange of information within the data center and between other data centers via routers and switches. Network core functionality includes aggregation, authentication, call control/switching, charging, gateways, and service invocation. Network cores are categorized as collapsed, parallel, or serial.

The edge distribution network consists of edge devices such as computers, WiFi access points, and desktop and wiring closet switches, also known as hosts or end systems, that are connected at the edge of the network. While the core of the network is often in the data centers, the edge resides in the wiring closets. Data centers have the edge networks in racks that aggregate server traffic.

Does HEAVY.AI Offer an Edge Network Solution?

With the proliferation of IoT, edge devices, and 5G network development, edge computing is growing continuously and producing huge volumes of data that telecommunications network operators and data scientists can aggregate and analyze. With HEAVY.AI, analysts can instantly query, filter, and visualize massive telco data sets, providing deeper network insights, more efficient 5G deployments, and an improved customer experience.