What is the Edge and why are we all talking about it?
Building Blocks
The large number of instances associated with an Edge environment cries out for standardization. At the same time, flexibility is also important, because each location could be slightly different.
Against this backdrop, containerized data centers have emerged as an important solution for Edge applications. In the Edge context, containerized data centers offer the simplest way to roll out a product that is standardized from the first nut down to the last bolt almost anywhere in the world with just a little preparation.
When it comes to containers in this new context, two old acquaintances come to the aid of the vendors. On one hand, OpenStack [1] offers most of the functionality that a decentralized solution requires. A number of additional features, which the developers added to the software in recent years, come in handy, such as support for the Ceph virtual storage solution. Several telco companies are currently building OpenStack into their commercial Edge services.
Another option is to build a distributed setup with local Kubernetes clusters. If the application is really cloud-native and available in containers, Kubernetes appears to be the tool of choice, because it is still far less complex than OpenStack. However, if IaaS is on the list of requirements, Kubernetes will probably not be the ideal solution.
Industrial container systems are available in many sizes. Several hardware vendors provide data center products designed to support containerized environments. The customer receives a mini data center that already solves essential issues such as ventilation and the required racks (Figures 1 and 2). Once the unit is delivered to the site and configured, the only things missing are the grid and the network. Electricity is relatively easy to access in most places. As for the network, the promise of 5G wireless is the final puzzle piece that could lead to widespread migration to the Edge.
Edge and 5G
All the efforts to reduce latency by relocating hardware are of little benefit if networks are not fast enough to meet the challenge. Experts believe 5G wireless is the emerging technology that will meet the simultaneous demands of speed and mobility that will fuel the Edge revolution. With its palette of engineering tricks, 5G radically increases the bit rate for individual clients. 5G will offer the bandwidth to manage the flood of information from hundreds of thousands of autonomous vehicles.
5G also offers beamforming with multi-MIMO antennas: One 5G antenna can support several individual beams assigned to specific customers (Figure 3).
Where Are We?
Most of the talk about Edge technology is still very theoretical, but the major cloud vendors are taking the Edge very seriously. As you could probably guess, much of the activity swirling around Edge computing is about cloud vendors with data center products maneuvering to form partnerships with wireless vendors who will provide the 5G wireless capabilities. Recent reports indicate that Google is in discussions with AT&T to collaborate on developing Edge services [2].
Verizon has already rolled out an ambitious Edge service in partnership with Amazon AWS. The Verizon Multi-Access Edge Computer (MEC) platform [3] is built on AWS Wavelength Edge computing technology. Verizon and other wireless providers have the advantage of being able to locate Edge services at the thousands of Service Access Point (SAP) and C-RAN locations that they currently operate to support their wireless telephone networks.
Rather than teaming with a telco, Microsoft Azure appears focused on keeping the Edge on premises. Azure Stack Edge [4] is an on-premises appliance that brings Edge services to the customer's home network, which would work well for a robotics solution but not for a disparate application like autonomous cars.
Given the excitement currently devoted to Edge computing, it is not surprising that almost every major telco and cloud vendor has some kind of product, service, or initiative with the term "Edge" in the title. All these services share the goal of decentralization, but the details vary widely.
« Previous 1 2 3 Next »
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.
-
Kodi 21.0 Open-Source Entertainment Hub Released
After a year of development, the award-winning Kodi cross-platform, media center software is now available with many new additions and improvements.
-
Linux Usage Increases in Two Key Areas
If market share is your thing, you'll be happy to know that Linux is on the rise in two areas that, if they keep climbing, could have serious meaning for Linux's future.
-
Vulnerability Discovered in xz Libraries
An urgent alert for Fedora 40 has been posted and users should pay attention.
-
Canonical Bumps LTS Support to 12 years
If you're worried that your Ubuntu LTS release won't be supported long enough to last, Canonical has a surprise for you in the form of 12 years of security coverage.
-
Fedora 40 Beta Released Soon
With the official release of Fedora 40 coming in April, it's almost time to download the beta and see what's new.
-
New Pentesting Distribution to Compete with Kali Linux
SnoopGod is now available for your testing needs
-
Juno Computers Launches Another Linux Laptop
If you're looking for a powerhouse laptop that runs Ubuntu, the Juno Computers Neptune 17 v6 should be on your radar.