The Difference Between Edge Computing Gateway and Common Gateway

With the development of edge computing functions, edge computing gateways have attracted the attention of many industries. Business requirements and network upgrades have further driven the development of edge computing. In addition, the sharp increase of transmission load will lead to delay extension, which can not meet the real-time requirements, so that the edge computing gateway has become a hot research topic.

From a physical device perspective, there is little difference between an edge computing gateway and a normal gateway. A central processing unit, a bunch of various network interfaces (Ethernet, wireless network, proprietary bus, DIN/OUT, etc.). But from the point of view of the agreement, there is a difference. An ordinary gateway is mainly equipped with a network layer protocol for the purpose of transmitting received data to another device according to a specified destination address, so the translation of the network layer is its focus.

Edge computing gateway features

But the difference between edge computing gateways is that they emphasize the word "computing". It has complete processing power and can analyze the data locally to get the results. These analyses and results are typically implemented on a remote, centralized server. If each edge network is equipped with local servers, the effect is the same. The reason for the edge computing gateway is related to the design idea of the whole Internet of Things. The Internet of Things hopes to collect terminal data and hand it over to the centralized processing unit for subsequent processing, but in actual deployment, it is found that if objects are really connected, the computing power of cloud computing manufacturers may not be able to handle it. The data collected are both high-concurrency and time-sensitive. The most troublesome thing is that it has both high concurrency and time sensitivity requirements, and even high operational requirements. When the total amount of bandwidth that the infrastructure can provide is limited, we can not simply lay a few optical cables to solve this problem. The scenario that best reflects this problem is driverless. In order to complete the danger judgment in 0.1 milliseconds and take security measures, it is obviously impossible to rely entirely on the cellular network to transmit the data to the server and return the results after calculation. Therefore, experts recommend establishing edge computing gateways near the roadside to ensure response speed.

Therefore, the concept of an edge computing gateway has emerged. Through edge computing, data can be preliminarily screened and processed in the edge gateway, and important security information can be sent to the supervision platform and warned, so as to improve the efficiency of information processing and obtain hidden danger information in a more timely manner. Based on this concept, what edge computing needs to do is not replace cloud platform servers, but help cloud platform servers. Therefore, for this task, more attention will be paid to "how the edge computing gateway should cooperate with the scenario when part of the computing capacity of the cloud platform sinks". More precisely, edge computing is a set of software protocols that cooperate with the cloud, including various application docking, local computing capacity allocation, and so on. Edge computing gateway is only the carrier of edge computing protocol, as long as the hardware is suitable, any platform can be replaced.

There are some differences in functions and application fields between the edge computing gateway and the ordinary gateway. Here are the main differences:

Location: Edge computing gateways are located at the edge of the network, close to end devices and edge nodes, while ordinary gateways are usually located at the center of the core network.

Data processing: The edge computing gateway has the ability to process and execute computing tasks, and can pre-process, analyze and store data locally to meet the requirements of low latency and bandwidth constraints. common gateways are mainly used for routing data transmission and transmitting data from the source to the target node.

Network connectivity: Edge computing gateways can support broader network connectivity, including connections between local networks and edge devices, as well as connections to cloud services or other edge nodes. Common gateways are primarily concerned with connectivity within the core network.

Data security: Edge computing gateways often need to provide a higher level of security because they communicate directly with end devices and edge nodes and handle sensitive data. Common gateways are also typically required to provide security, but the security requirements may not be as high compared to edge computing gateways.

Application scenarios: The edge computing gateway is applicable to edge computing environments, such as smart cities, industrial Internet of Things, and other scenarios, and can realize localized data processing and analysis. Common gateways are more suitable for traditional centralized network environments, such as enterprise LANs or the core networks of large Internet service providers.

There are differences between edge computing gateways and ordinary gateways in terms of location, data processing capability, network connectivity, data security, and application scenarios. Edge computing gateways pay more attention to localized data processing and analysis at the edge of the network, while ordinary gateways are mainly used for data routing and internal connections within the core network.

The choice of edge computing gateway or common gateway depends on the specific needs and application scenarios. Here are some basic considerations:

Application requirements: First of all, you need to clarify your application requirements. If you need to process, analyze, and store data at the edge of the network to meet low latency and bandwidth requirements, an edge computing gateway may be a better fit. If you only need to transmit data and route it to the target node, then a normal gateway may be enough.

Network Topology: Consider your network topology. If your network is distributed and multiple end devices and edge nodes require localized data processing and analysis, an edge computing gateway may be more appropriate. If your network is relatively centralized and data transmission within the core network is more important, ordinary gateways may be more appropriate.

Data security: Data security is an important factor. If you're dealing with sensitive data and want to protect it locally, edge computing gateways typically offer more advanced security features. Common gateways also provide some security, but may not be as powerful as edge computing gateways.

Cost-effectiveness: Consider the cost-effectiveness factor. Edge computing gateways typically require more complex, higher-performance hardware and software support, and therefore can be more expensive. Common gateways generally cost less. Select the appropriate gateway based on your budget and resource constraints.

Scalability and future development: Consider the scalability and future development of the system. If your application needs are likely to grow over time, or if you want to be able to expand system capabilities by adding more edge devices and nodes in the future, then the edge computing gateway may have more potential.

The choice of edge computing gateway or ordinary gateway requires a comprehensive consideration of application requirements, network topology, data security, cost-effectiveness, and future scalability. According to the specific situation, make the most suitable choice after weighing the pros and cons.