Edge computing explained: when to process at the edge and when in the cloud

Reasons to process at the edge

• Latency: a decision that must happen in milliseconds cannot wait for a round trip.
• Bandwidth: sending raw video or sensor streams is costly; send results.
• Resilience: the site keeps running if the link fails.
• Privacy: keep raw data local.

Reasons to use the cloud

• Large-scale storage and analytics across many sites.
• Training models and fleet-wide reporting.
• Easier management and elastic capacity.

A common split

Do the time-critical work and first filtering at the edge, and send summaries and exceptions to the cloud. Design for disconnected operation, and for catching up when the link returns.

Costs to plan for

More sites mean more hardware to install, secure, monitor and update. Count that operational load before choosing the edge.

IICTP is a new independent credential and is not ISO/IEC 17024 accredited.