Processing data closer to the source and the network that enables it.
Edge Computing and 5G are deeply interconnected technologies that are enabling a new wave of applications. Traditional cloud computing relies on a centralized model where data is collected from devices and sent to a large, distant data center for processing. Edge computing is a distributed computing paradigm that brings computation and data storage closer to the location where it is needed. Instead of sending raw data to the cloud, processing is done 'at the edge' of the network, on local devices, servers, or gateways. For example, a smart camera could use edge computing to perform video analytics locally and only send alerts to the cloud, rather than streaming raw video 24/7. This approach has several key benefits: it significantly reduces latency, which is critical for real-time applications like autonomous vehicles or augmented reality; it conserves network bandwidth by reducing the amount of data sent to the cloud; and it can improve privacy and security by keeping sensitive data local. 5G, the fifth generation of cellular technology, is a key enabler for edge computing. While it offers higher speeds than 4G, its most transformative features are its ultra-low latency and its ability to connect a massive number of devices per square kilometer. The low latency of 5G makes real-time communication between edge devices and local edge servers feasible. Its massive connectivity is essential for supporting the billions of IoT and edge devices that will be deployed in smart cities, factories, and homes.