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APPLICATION NOTE - EDGE COMPUTING
OVERVIEW
With the ongoing advancements in digitalization and automation, the intense growth of
computing power is more imminent in today’s world than ever before. As time progresses, the
large amounts of data volume from Internet of Things (IoT) edge devices will only be compounded
by the wider deployment of 5G networks as more IoT devices go online and more data is stored
in the cloud for analysis.
Historically and still relevant today, cloud architecture enables automation and data storage.
Most business enterprises (IT) have adopted this model to capture their data using cloud service
infrastructure such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon Cloud. While cloud architecture continues
to play an important role in the IT enterprise side of the business, it does not translate well in the
Operations Technology (OT) space.
Mission critical applications such as power utilities, oil & gas, nuclear plants, water & wastewater,
and transportation markets etc., typically have field assets that fall under OT. These field devices
are mainly responsible for process and control functions in the field such as Machine to Machine
(M2M) communications. Since the field devices are responsible for critical services, a more
stringent way to manage data would be better done locally, at the edge of their premises. This is
where edge computing would provide benefits.
What is edge computing?
Simply put, edge computing allows for computations and “limited data” storage closer to devices
than a centralized location which is geographically further from the source of where the data
originates. It was developed due to the explosive growth of IoT devices that connect to the
internet and sends and receives data to and from the cloud.
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Why edge computing?
Since Industrial markets (OT Applications) must deal with stringent environmental conditions,
traditional PCs would not survive in the field. For example, a substation environment would
cause severe damage to commercial PC’s that need to contend with humidity, condensation,
extreme temperatures, and electrical magnetic fields (EMI). They would simply fail in a short
period. The solution would be to utilize an Industrial grade PC. This is where edge computing
benefits industrial environments.
Modern automation software and data architectures drive the demand for scalability, flexibility,
and ease of use management. iS5Com’s RAPTOR is a multi services platform that enables L2/
L3 ethernet communications, network security and running additional applications with the use
of the iROC module (industrial grade PC) while exceeding the demands of harsh environments.
This combination allows users to take advantage of edge computing to capture and analyze
data for real-time and predictive maintenance.
Edge computing offers key benefits such as:
1. Lower latency
2. Reduce bandwidth utilization.
3. Improved security
4. Real-time of data analysis
5. Scalability
Lower Latency
Since the computing power will be closer to the edge devices, this greatly improves the speed
at which data can be analyzed by the user. In turn, this reduces any network latency as some
data can be stored in the RAPTOR. Going over the WAN causes higher latency as you account
for other physical connections such as the length of cables and distance to the cloud location.
Reduce Bandwidth Utilization
Since the data is stored locally, it will not need to contend with traversing over a WAN back
to the cloud or a data center thus, reducing the bandwidth. Edge computing allows data to be
processed near the source, i.e. Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices such as sensors or
controllers.
Improved Security
Since traditional cloud computing is prone to attacks such as distributed denial of service
(DDoS) and power outages, cloud architecture is typically centralized, allowing any single
disruption to take down the entire network. In contrast, edge computing is distributed across
a wide range of devices and applications that can be segmented from other parts of the
network.
Real-time data analysis
Real-time data analytics is crucial for mission critical applications as the services provided
generally have significant impacts on the operations of the field network. In the case of power
utility outages, ensuring that data is received as events occur within the network, allows the
user to identify issues quickly and provide predictive maintenance to mitigate outages.
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Scalability
Edge computing can take full advantage of a robust architecture when networks scale. With the
expansion of field networks, it can account for greater volumes of data and applications.
Edge computing also provides industrial users with the flexibility for scaling their growing needs.
Figure 1 - Edge Computing Topology
Do I need cloud for my industrial environment?
Industrial applications need to utilize a hybrid of cloud and edge computing. It is not recommended to
use only cloud for sending and receiving information. The cloud can be utilized for data warehousing
and deeper data analytics to understand behaviour and trends overall. Edge computing can provide
the enhancement to improve the operational efficiency of your network by localizing specific data.
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CONCLUSION
In retrospect, edge computing provides significant benefits for industrial applications as this trend
continues. With network infrastructure devices proving to be smarter, it is beneficial to combine the
benefits of a singular platform such as RAPTOR with functions of L2/L3 communications, Network
Security integration, and a hardened PC capable of running third party software applications and
localized data storage. The RAPTOR can be used as the secure IIoT gateway and act as a junction
between the WAN and LAN at the edge. This will enable users to realize the benefits such as:
• Reduce procurement costs
• Improved asset downtime and performance
• Simpler data processing at the edge
• Meeting the demand for computing power
• Flexibility and functionality
• End users looking for open, non-proprietary solutions
• Simplified management
ABOUT iS5 COMMUNICATIONS INC.
iS5 Communications Inc. (“iS5Com”) is a global provider of integrated services and solutions, and
manufacturer of intelligent Industrial Ethernet products. Our products are designed to meet the stringent
demand requirements of utility sub-stations, roadside transportation, rail, and industrial applications.
iS5Com’s services and products are key enablers of advanced technology implementation such as the
Smart Grid, Intelligent Transportation Systems, Intelligent Oil Field, and Internet of Things. All products
have the ability to transmit data efficiently without the loss of any packets under harsh environments and
EMI conditions.
COMMUNICATIONS
SERVICES • SUPPORT • SECURITY • SOLUTIONS • SYSTEMS
For more information, visit: is5com.com
toll free: +1-844-520-0588 | fax: +1-289-401-5206 |
[email protected]technical support: +1-844-475-8324 |
[email protected]Address: 5895 Ambler Dr, Mississauga, ON L4W 5B7
