Fog Computing is an extension of cloud computing. It contains multiple edge nodes directly connected to physical devices. We also call it as fogging or fog networking. A decentralized computing infrastructure where data, storage, computing and applications can be distributed in an efficient place between the data source and cloud is called fog computing. The term ‘fog’ signifies a cloud’s periphery or edge. It offers similar services as cloud computing but with added security and compliance.
Features of Fog Computing
Fogging is a mediator between hardware and remote servers. Earlier, with huge influx of data, limited bandwidth was becoming a hindrance for timely data processing. Sensors generate huge amount of data and send them to cloud. With the help of fog computing, we can place some of the transactions and resources at the edge of the cloud, instead of establishing channels for cloud storage and utilization.
It can reduce bandwidth by aggregating information at specified access points or routers and not sending every small bit of information over cloud. This method of distributed strategy helps in minimizing costs and improve efficiencies.
Difference between Cloud Computing & Fog Computing
Faster Data Processing – Fog computing offers reduced latency as the devices deploy on the stored place which reduces the latency. When latency is low, computation is much faster.
Data Integration – In cloud, multiple sources can be integrated; whereas, besides sources, fog computing also allows multiple devices to integrate.
Geographical distribution – There are many centralized data centers in the cloud, and fogging is decentralized & distributed.
Accountability – During data transmission, cloud services increases the load and makes the system less responsive. In fog, the response time is relatively higher as fogging separates the data and then it sends to cloud.
Internet usage – Cloud system collapses without an internet connection. Fog computing has different standards and protocol, so the risk of failing is quite low.
Nodes – Cloud contains large server nodes. Fog contains millions of tiny nodes.
Analysis – Cloud architecture cannot provide round-the-clock technical support, but fogging can provide insights in less than a second.
Expenses – license fee and on-premises maintenance in cloud are lower compared to fog where companies need to buy routers.
Benefit it provides
a) Fog computing allows users to process their data on any physical device.
b) It helps in controlling business operations and facilitating by deploying fog applications as per the user’s need.
c) Since the data is processed locally, fogging controls what information is sent to the server.
d) It complements cloud infrastructure by getting as close as possible to the data source.
e) It will be of immense help in IoT projects as it provides bandwidth savings and better data security.
f) Due to multiple interconnected devices, loss of information is almost impossible.
g) The edge nodes can run on power-efficient protocols like Bluetooth or z-wave.
Scope of Improvement
Fog Computing will feel its presence even more in the upcoming future. It will enable companies to implement IoT in real-time. With multiple networking channels and devices being linked, this improved architecture will be in high-demand for managing high level security patches. It will also enable in linking data from all possible AI-enabled devices. Subscriber models will play a huge role. Besides, transportation agencies, car manufacturers, public administrations will also have use cases for fogging. Providers angling towards global services will also cooperate. It is believed to stand the test of time and even beat Artificial Intelligence, IoT app development and 5G technology in the next five years.
