The rise of automated edge: Transforming business networks in the digital frontier
By Paul Gampe, Chief Technology Officer, Console Connect
The continuous pressure to stay updated with new technologies can quickly create problems for business networks as reducing bandwidth and connectivity can ultimately impact their bottom line. To tackle this issue, many companies are now turning to the concept of the network edge. But what defines the edge and how does it enhance operations without compromising on latency, performance or security?
Exploring the concept of edge architecture
The edge network refers to the point where your business network meets the public internet – the area where data traffic flows between your private network and the internet. This includes firewalls, routers, switches, sensors, and other points of access that exist at the boundary of networks. Ultimately, the edge network is essential because it forms the security boundary of your network, and acts as the first line of defense against any threats from the public internet. Your network edge exists wherever there is an edge device or ‘thing’ that facilitates traffic crossing from one network to another. These edge devices can include mobile phones, laptops, data centres, company offices, home routers, and many more. All emerging applications will become ordinary as more users partake in the rise of ‘the Internet of Things’.
Of course, the sheer volume of data produced by these multiple devices can seriously hinder a company’s network infrastructure, which can only process so much data without problems arising with bandwidth and lag time.
That’s where edge networking comes in. This is a data management system that supplies digital resources to your users by merging edge devices with your business network to process and interpret data close to the source without the need for huge data centres.
As a result, many businesses are now investing in edge computing to deploy innovative technologies such as generative AI. This is because edge computing enables the processing of data at the point of origin, where the edge devices are located rather than the cloud. By doing so, businesses can avoid issues related to latency and security which are commonly found in cloud computing. Moreover, this approach helps companies to make faster business decisions while gathering valuable information about customer experiences and product offerings. Edge computing significantly reduces data transfers over external networks, which minimises the risk of data breaches. Consequently, businesses can maximise bandwidth usage and ultimately improve customer outcomes.
Advantages and limitations
An edge network can significantly enhance the performance of cloud hosted applications when properly configured. By placing edge devices in proximity to the users, the distance data must travel is reduced, resulting in lower latency.
Furthermore, an edge network can decrease the chances of external attacks compromising your private network by implementing security measures closer to your cloud-hosted data. In addition, a properly configured edge network can solve congestion issues with devices and applications by redirecting traffic to the appropriate locations, thus preventing network overload.
Then there’s the cost savings. By deploying devices on the edge and thereby offloading the processing and storage requirements to the edge, businesses can reduce the costs they would typically incur to purchase from cloud providers.
That said, not all edge networks are created equal, and a poorly configured edge can turn all these benefits into disadvantages.
One of the key concerns in implementing edge network is security risks. Businesses must ensure that their edge is ultra-secure and can respond to threat incidents arising from different device locations. The lack of knowledge and training is another issue, which can cause your IT team to be overwhelmed by managing the multitude of devices, locations, and applications that make up the edge.
There is an initial upfront cost despite saving costs in the long run. This can be significant, as implementing edge networking requires purchasing and developing the desired aims without compromising security.
Welcome the automated edge
It is not surprising that the technology behind edge networking is constantly evolving. One of the recent advancements in this field is the automated edge. In simple terms, this refers to the intelligence embedded into edge devices that handles networking tasks such as configuration responsiveness, provisioning, and even monitoring without any human intervention. As your daily operations shift and change, it will automatically optimise network performance by intelligently steering traffic through different pathways to reduce lag time and interruptions while providing greater reliability and security.
Best of all, the automated edge can work hand-in-glove with your generative AI models to improve connectivity and real-time decision making from different devices, locations, and applications. This not only accelerates the analysis of your data close to the source, but also speeds up customer interactions and provides further opportunities for growth and innovation.
In case your business is heavily dependent on low latency, which is true for most businesses, your IT team won’t have to spend time managing network blockages and finding solutions. The automated edge takes care of all of these tasks for you. won’t have to spend time managing network blockages and finding solutions. The automated edge takes care of all of these tasks for you.
Edge automation: the simple solution
However, due to its complexity, companies are finding it difficult to manage their automated edge. Consequently, companies are seeking partnerships with network-as-a-service providers in order to gain a competitive advantage quickly and flexibly. Network-as-a-service, or NaaS for short, offers companies an end-to-end solution for operational management and performance of networks on a subscription basis which improves companies’ efficiency.
The beauty of this business model is that removes all the complexity. A NaaS provider helps you to build your own private network on your own terms, one that can be scaled and configured to meet your needs. It also takes care of security issues and protects your network from attacks through constant monitoring and early detection.
But crucially, a tried and tested NaaS provider will have already embedded their platform with the latest automated edge capabilities to interact and interface with all manner of edge devices and applications. This not only allows you to deploy new technology tools safely and efficiently, but also frees up your IT team to concentrate on other mission-critical tasks.
Your business can benefit from a comprehensive network management solution that provides complete visibility of your network infrastructure from a single user-friendly dashboard. This solution enables you to optimise performance and agility as per your needs. Additionally, a team of expert engineers takes care of all networks concerns 24/7.
If you want to leverage the full potential of the Internet of Things, you need to consider moving the edge. By laying the foundational groundwork today, you can take full advantage of future advancements in network edge innovation. This will help you stay ahead of the curve and make the most of emerging opportunities.
Uma Rajagopal has been managing the posting of content for multiple platforms since 2021, including Global Banking & Finance Review, Asset Digest, Biz Dispatch, Blockchain Tribune, Business Express, Brands Journal, Companies Digest, Economy Standard, Entrepreneur Tribune, Finance Digest, Fintech Herald, Global Islamic Finance Magazine, International Releases, Online World News, Luxury Adviser, Palmbay Herald, Startup Observer, Technology Dispatch, Trading Herald, and Wealth Tribune. Her role ensures that content is published accurately and efficiently across these diverse publications.