The Internet of Things (IoT) has been a dream for many people working in the tech and big data fields for years. Despite the exciting implications of widespread IoT use, however, the concept has been slow to catch on with the general public ”with a few exceptions. Smart home devices are gaining popularity, and there is a lot of interest in the progress of self-driving vehicles, but the potential of IoT has still been largely unexplored. IoT devices could touch every corner of our lives, and we’re not harnessing much of that power at all. But why? Partially, because of our current Internet infrastructure. It’s just not up to the task of handling the massive amounts of data collected by IoT devices. The good news? The cloud and edge computing could make widespread IoT use possible.
What are Cloud and Fog Computing?
These days, cloud computing is something we use every day. Instead of storing data on a local server or a hard drive, it is saved on the cloud , which is made up of remote servers, allowing the data to be retrieved and processed wherever there is an Internet connection. There are limitations to the cloud however ”and those limitations are tied to the bandwidth we have available ”bandwidth that is being stretched to its limit.
On the other hand, edge computing (also known as fog computing) cuts out the central data center and uses nearby devices to share bandwidth by keeping data more localized. This would make IoT communications more efficient and practical for both manufacturers and consumers.
The Link Between IoT, the Cloud, and Fog Computing
If bandwidth wasn’t an issue, the cloud would work just fine for most IoT devices. The devices could communicate with one another as needed, and there would be no need for infrastructure upgrades to support the IoT. However, with the number of devices anticipated from the upcoming IoT boom, developers need to consider how these devices will be supported, and start focusing on edge computing.
Edge computing has another benefit for supporting IoT devices beyond individual bandwidth: security. Cyber security has been a major concern in the last few years, with more data breaches occurring every year. While encryption can ward off many of these attacks, cybercriminals have sophisticated knowledge and can often still manage to steal sensitive information. With all the private information that can be transmitted through IoT devices, a more secure system is a must. Because edge computing is more localized and distributed, it’s not vulnerable to an attack on a single data center. Distributed systems are already showing success. The cryptocurrency bitcoin uses the blockchain technology, a distributed system that ensures secure transactions and makes a record of every alteration to the public record as it is made so that anyone can see if any attacks have been made. Fog computing would ensure that no file would ever be stored in its complete form in one place, discouraging criminals further.
The IoT is the Future
The IoT is an inevitable development in the technology race ”it’s just a matter of time before most of our devices are networked together, able to make our lives easier and more efficient. Big data experts are already working toward this future ”45% of developers believe the IoT is a crucial part of their digital strategy and future projects. Who knows what changes the IoT will bring to our lives ”maybe it will help us lead healthier lives, make us more productive, or simply satisfy our curiosity. Whatever the future of IoT will look like, cloud and fog computing will help make it happen ”and it’s time to build out the infrastructure.
