What is Edge computing?
Edge computing is a distributed computing paradigm that places computing, storage, and network services close to the data source or user. In industrial control systems (ICs), this means moving data processing tasks from central servers to locations close to devices, such as sensors or machines in a factory. Doing so can reduce data transmission latency, improve response speed, and enable real-time data processing.

What is Cloud computing?
Cloud computing is a service that provides computing resources (such as servers, storage, databases, networks, software, etc.) through the Internet. Users can access these resources as needed without having to install and run applications on their own devices. Cloud computing provides elasticity, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, allowing users to pay for what they need.

What is the difference between cloud computing and Edge computing?
Location: Edge computing occurs near the data source, while cloud computing occurs in a remote data center.
Latency: Edge computing can provide lower latency due to its proximity to the data source, making it suitable for real-time applications. Cloud computing may have higher network latency.
Bandwidth: Edge computing reduces the amount of data transmission because data is processed locally, while cloud computing requires large amounts of data to be transmitted to the data center.
Security: Edge computing can provide better data security because data does not need to leave the local environment. Cloud computing relies on the security measures of the data center.

Use scenarios:
Edge computing: Suitable for applications that require fast response, such as self-driving cars, industrial automation, IoT devices, etc. In these scenarios, low latency and real-time data processing are critical.
Cloud computing: Suitable for applications that require large-scale computing resources and storage, such as big data analysis, online games, video streaming services, etc. Cloud computing provides almost unlimited resources that can be expanded according to demand.

What is an Edge Computing Gateway?
Edge computing gateway is an intermediate node that connects edge devices and the cloud. It is responsible for data transmission and processing between edge devices and cloud servers. Simply put, it is like a small data center, deployed close to the data source, which can perform preliminary processing and analysis on the data, and even make some simple decisions, thereby reducing the delay of data transmission and improving the system response speed.

The role of Edge computing gateway
Data preprocessing: Clean, filter, convert and other preprocessing of the raw data collected by edge devices to reduce the amount of data transmitted.
Local computing: Perform some simple computing tasks, such as data aggregation, feature extraction, etc., to reduce the burden on cloud servers.
Real-time response: For some application scenarios that require real-time response, the edge computing gateway can make decisions quickly without transmitting data to the cloud.
Improve system reliability: In the case of unstable network or unavailable cloud services, the edge computing gateway can ensure the normal operation of some functions.
Protect data privacy: By processing data on the edge side, the risk of sensitive data being exposed to network transmission can be reduced.

Advantages of Edge computing gateway
Low latency: Since data processing is performed locally, the delay of data transmission is reduced and the response speed of the system is improved.
High bandwidth: It can process a large amount of data to meet the application requirements of high bandwidth.
High reliability: Even if the network fails, the edge computing gateway can still ensure the normal operation of some functions.
Enhance security: By encrypting data and controlling access on the edge side, the security of data is improved.

Application scenarios of Edge computing gateways
Industrial IoT: In industrial production lines, edge computing gateways can monitor equipment status in real time, predict faults and perform maintenance.
Smart City: In smart cities, edge computing gateways can be used in traffic flow monitoring, environmental monitoring, public safety and other fields.
Energy Monitoring: In photovoltaic power generation and Energy Management System, edge computing gateways can process sensor data in real time, reduce energy consumption and improve efficiency