Edge Computing

Edge computing is a type of computing network architecture, where computation is moved as close to the source of data as possible, in order to reduce latency and bandwidth use. The aim is to reduce the amount of computing required to be performed in a centralized, remote location (i.e. the "cloud") far away from the source of the data or the user who requires the result of the computation, thus minimizing the amount of long-distance communication that has to happen between a client and server. Rapid advances in technology allowing for miniaturization and increased density of computing hardware as well as software virtualization have made edge computing more feasible in recent years.

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《What is Edge Computing? Definition and Cases Explained.》

There has been a rapid increase of online devices at the edge of networks that generate massive amounts of data (e.g. IoT devices in smart factories or cities), consume massive amounts of data (such using 5G cellphones to view 4K streaming video or VR gaming devices), or both (such as self-driving vehicles). Using a traditional “cloud computing” model requires all this data to be transmitted back to a centralized data center to be processed, before being transmitted back to the device, pushing network bandwidth requirements to the limit. Despite the improvements of network technology, data centers cannot guarantee acceptable transfer rates and response times, which could be a critical requirement for many applications. Therefore, edge computing brings computation and storage abilities to the edge of the network, physically, logically or geographically close to the end device, reducing network bandwidth usage and latency and shortening response times. Edge computing is a primary component of making the Internet fast!

GIGABYTE has released a new server specifically designed for edge computing, the H242 Series (H242-Z10 / H242-Z11). This server features four single socket AMD EPYC 7002 Series “Rome” nodes, with up to 64 cores and 128 threads per node, in a compact 2U half-depth chassis, designed for restricted space deployments such as a telecommunications cabinet or an edge computing micro-data center.

GIGABYTE also has developed a MEC (Multi-access Edge Computing) solution, a type of edge computing suitable for 5G networks that combines Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) together with general purpose servers to implement Virtual Evolved Packet Core (vEPC) technology. Edge computing will be a key technology component of 5G network infrastructure, since the amount of data generated by 5G devices will be too great for a traditional cloud computing network architecture to handle without unacceptable delays.