A glossary of key edge computing architecture terms

No matter how simple a term may seem, that term typically has various parts that make it what it is.

This is the case for edge computing architecture. The term edge computing may sound simple, as the two words separately seem self-explanatory. Edge computing involves computing at a network’s edge, which is frequently defined as the boundary between two networks. However, edge computing architecture has multitudes of technologies, features and functions that make the architecture more advanced than simply computing at the edge.

This glossary dives into the key terms and phrases for an essential edge computing vocabulary. Discover important features and other types of computing to which edge computing relates.

Cloud computing. The term cloud computing encompasses the delivery of hosted cloud services over the internet. Those service categories are IaaS, PaaS and SaaS, which enterprises select based on their workload and business requirements. Cloud and edge computing differ because the latter results in fewer delays as data moves across a network and stores data more securely away from distributed sites, where cloud computing stores data.

Cloud radio access network. A C-RAN is a cloud computing architecture for RANs. As the name suggests, C-RANs run in cloud environments with centralized management of baseband units (BBUs). Traditionally, C-RANs connect wireless end users to BBUs. C-RANS typically run on cloud computing. However, the use of edge computing architecture can help C-RANs alleviate the latency issues cloud computing can face when the BBUs are relocated to centralized processing stations.

Cloud services. The term cloud services comprises services provided over the internet that service providers deliver to customers. These services include data storage, processing and analytics for applications and other resources. Providers deliver these services through cloud computing, although edge computing can also deliver or replicate an organization’s cloud services to remote workers or offices.

Data center. A data center facility hosts an organization’s networked computers that handle and maintain large data amounts. Many organizations implement private cloud software in their data centers so users can more easily access resources and services.