Journal of Communication Engineering & Systems Review Article
Edge Computing in IoT: Challenges and Opportunities for Engineers
Abstract
The internet of things (IoT) has revolutionized how we interact with our environment, collect data, and make decisions. However, the exponential growth of IoT devices has led to significant challenges in data processing, latency, and bandwidth usage. Edge computing provides an effective solution to these issues by bringing computation and data storage nearer to the source of data generation. This paper provides a comprehensive exploration of the challenges and opportunities that edge computing presents for engineers working in the IoT domain. We examine the current state of edge computing in IoT, discussing its potential to transform various industries and applications. The paper explores significant technical challenges, such as limited resources, concerns about security and privacy, scalability difficulties, and the requirement for resilient, fault-tolerant systems. Additionally, we highlight the exciting opportunities edge computing offers, such as enabling low latency applications, optimizing bandwidth usage, enhancing data privacy, and facilitating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning at the edge. Through case studies, data visualizations, and analysis of current research, we provide insights into real-world implementations and their impacts. The paper also discusses future trends and research directions, including the integration of 5G networks, the development of more efficient edge AI algorithms, and the creation of an edge-cloud continuum. By addressing these challenges and leveraging emerging technologies, engineers can unlock the full potential of edge computing to enable a new generation of IoT applications that are more efficient, responsive, and privacy-aware.
Keywords
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