When edge computing meets IoT systems: Analysis of case studies

On a macroscopic level, an edge computing architecture looks like a distributed and decentralized IT (Information Technology) architecture. More in detail, it could be defined as a mesh network of micro data centers capable of processing and storing critical data locally, and to transmit all data received and/or processed to a central data center or a cloud storage repository. This network topology, also taking advantage of the availability on the market of cost-effective small form factor (SFF) electronic components and systems decreasing, brings the essential components of processing, storage, and networking closer to the sources that generate the data. The typical use case is that of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and implementations, which often face latency problems, lack of bandwidth, reliability, which cannot be addressed through the conventional cloud model. In this context, the edge computing architecture can reduce the size of data to be sent to the cloud, processing critical data, sensitive to latency, at the point of origin, via a smart device, or sending it to an intermediate server, located nearby. The aim of this paper is to report some of the main aspects and significant features of edge computing and analyzing several popular case studies.