We live in a world where we are constantly connected. We control devices from our mobile devices, thanks to the power of the cloud:
We’ve discussed the cloud in detail before, but simply put, it allows us to access and store data over the Internet instead of using local storage and computing.
For many things the cloud is ideal:
However, the cloud has its limitations, this is where fog computing comes into play.
Fog computing lives on the edge of the network as an extension of the cloud, between the cloud and the user. By utilising edge devices such as; routers, switches, integrated access devices (IADs). Basically, any network device that connects an internal local area network (LAN) with an external wide area network (WAN).
Fog computing allows for:
(Image from IoT Labs)
In contrast, as more nodes are added to the network, sending data back and forth from the cloud will create latency issues, limited bandwidth, and security concerns - all while requiring high-speed internet connectivity.
Fog computing is ideal in situations where data is being sent to the cloud for processing and analysis would negatively affect performance and where connectivity is intermittent, like rural areas.
One of the strongest cases for cloud computing comes from the automobile industry. According to a report from ON World, it is expected that there will be 300 million connected cars on the road by 2025. These vehicles will use a range of sensors and automated systems for everything from;
It wouldn’t be feasible to send the amount of data that these systems generate to the cloud.
Other applications for fog computing include:
By being able to support multiple industry verticals and applications through the network edge, systems become more flexible, cost-efficient, secure, and scalable. This is why fog computing is emerging as the top choice for bridging the gap between IoT devices and the cloud.
Do you or your business use fog? How do you manage this process? Let us know by tweeting @DrDataRecovery.