Edge computing challenges and ways to address them

1. Network bandwidth

Network bandwidth shifts as enterprises move compute and data to the edge. Traditionally, enterprises allocate higher bandwidth to data centers and lower bandwidth to the endpoints. Edge computing is driving the need for more bandwidth across the network.

2. Distributed computing

Businesses will need to consider edge location as an additional aspect of the compute use case. Consolidated compute models are dissipating, and networking is a key compute element, due to more east-west traffic. Edge infrastructure always needs to be sized appropriately; for example, distributed compute in a remote micro data center can be just as resource-intensive as in a centralized data center.

3. Latency

By locating compute at the edge -- where compute is closer to the data that is collected -- application latency is reduced along with decision-making latency. Less back-and-forth movement from the edge to the core means faster answers and faster action.

But, with compute located at both the core and the edge, application data traverses the network in each direction, sharing data and dealing with access rights.

4. Security and accessibility

With compute and applications centralized in a data center, enterprises can standardize both technical security and physical security, building a virtual wall around the resources.

Edge computing changes the security footprint, requiring remote servers to have the same network and physical security models to reflect location and traffic patterns. IT teams will need to clearly map out user access, as edge computing may require access rights for users over a significantly larger number of devices.

5. Backup

The edge computing model is typically driven by the location of data creation. Enterprises need an overall data protection strategy that can comprehend data, regardless of location. Network bandwidth requirements will be just as critical as storage media considerations when deciding how to protect these assets because backup over the network may not make sense.

Edge computing isn't simply about more servers at the edge, but an increase in scale across all IT disciplines.

6. Data accumulation

Data is a key business asset, and collecting it at the edge brings new challenges and can create liabilities if it's not handled in accordance with existing data handling rules. Data storage and access are critical, both of which will need to encompass the network as part of the data lifecycle.

7. Control and management

Edge location can be flexible -- within an enterprise, a private cloud or even a public cloud -- but management and control need to follow the same procedures and protocols, regardless of the physical edge location. Ideally, enterprises will use newer orchestration tools to help manage and control applications consistently, regardless of location.

8. Scale

Adding more connected devices at the edge increases the overall scale for everything IT teams work with. Edge computing isn't simply about more servers at the edge, but an increase in scale across all IT disciplines: compute, network, storage, management, security, licensing, etc. Enterprises need to comprehend this as they move applications out to the network edge: Edge computing isn't only about more hardware in a remote location; its effect scales across everything IT touches.