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Cloud computing technology is constantly evolving, following the growth in user demands and the possibilities created by new technologies. This involves not only a change in the tools used, but also in the way they are applied. A good example of this progression today is Fog Computing.
The name itself might seem a little strange, but if you already have a basic understanding of Cloud Computing, it’s not hard to understand. Depending on how you use this technology day in and day out, it can have a considerable effect on your business performance.
Follow and understand more about Fob Computing and its impacts.
What is Fog Computing?
One way to think of fog computing is as a miniature version of cloud computing. It is a decentralized infrastructure in which all processing and storage functions are distributed between the cloud and the devices used as part of the network.
Instead of having all the data go through the cloud constantly, much of it is processed and stored on a smaller scale network closer to the end devices. Hence the idea of being like a mist, a smaller version of a cloud, closer to the ground.
What are the differences between Fog, Cloud and Edge Computing?
Another way to understand Fog Computing is as a middle ground between Cloud and Edge Computing. In cloud computing, data passes through remote and external processing and storage centers, which have greater capacity and are requested on demand.
In Edge Computing, processing takes place as close as possible to the edge, minimizing resource consumption and waiting time for the system to respond. Fog follows an infrastructure similar to that of the cloud, but is much closer to the edge, managing to meet some local demands more efficiently, but without always resorting to external processing from Cloud Computing.
What are your advantages?
If well implemented, Fog Computing brings a number of benefits to your network’s performance. See some of the main ones here.
Avoid cloud overload
One of the great advantages of cloud computing is its breadth. It can serve a very wide area, handle multiple requests, and centralize important information. However, it also has a processing limit. If there are too many requirements, it can be overloaded and lose its performance.
Fog computing is a way to minimize this overhead. Requests that start and end within that network can be resolved internally, decreasing the total number of requests.
latency reduction
Another side effect of the breadth of cloud computing is that the distance between the processing point and the information access point can be quite long. As a result, communication latency can be higher, even for information exchanges in the same area.
Fog Computing allows this entire process to take place in a closer area, reducing waiting time for the user. Something very useful to perform real-time analysis and generate quick alerts or insights.
More consistent system
Many of the devices that follow an Internet of Things infrastructure tend to be placed in less than ideal conditions, such as areas far from urban centers or with low energy, which compromises their consistency of communication with the cloud. Using a network in fog is more suitable for these conditions, as the central processing point is closer, with less chance of a drop in communication and processing.
Decrease operating costs
In order to be able to meet all the processing demands of a network through the cloud, it is necessary to invest a considerable amount in connection speed and breadth. If even smaller scale exchanges follow this format, then their total cost can get quite high.
Creating more nodes that run on a fog computing infrastructure greatly reduces the enterprise’s connection footprint. As a result, you get to save a lot more in the long run.
Where is Fog Computing applied?
Cloud technology is already widely used in different contexts, both for small tasks and for large-scale actions. Here are some of their main examples.
smart cities
We call Smart City an urban space that makes extensive use of the Internet of Things to monitor its activities and optimize its administration. For this, various devices are used to collect information on traffic, water and energy distribution, security, among other things.
In this context, Fog Computing can be used to create smaller areas within urban space, allowing them to be monitored and managed more quickly and efficiently. For example, when there is a traffic accident, it is easier to identify, report and organize a response.
streaming
The transmission of video content is an increasingly accessible practice thanks to the internet and the increased functionality of cell phones. Anyone can make a recording and share it on a large scale. However, there are also many contexts where this content should only be sent to a small network.
In these cases, the use of fog computing is a more efficient alternative than the cloud. After all, the location of transmission and reception of the content is closer, without the need to use such a wide network.
Games
A strong trend in the gaming world is the lesser importance of the processing capacity of the user’s hardware, with a greater part of the processing being carried out in the cloud than on the computer. Something useful for many players who don’t have the latest hardware.
The same principle can be applied through Fog Computing, with a smaller processing center, closer to the user. This is useful, for example, in tournaments, where command latency is more relevant.
Fog computing is a natural advancement of cloud computing. It does not necessarily involve a change in infrastructure or tools, but in how these resources are applied to optimize network performance and user experience.
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