How Edge Computing is Driving Change in the Everyday Revolution – Spiceworks

While the promise of edge computing for consumer applications is exciting, it is far from mainstream for many reasons, including security concerns, inadequate power infrastructure, and even political divisions from mistrust of new technologies and government oversight. Let’s dive into some exciting ways that edge computing can be introduced into the mainstream and some of the power challenges that may hinder its expansion into everyday life.

The power considerations to make Edge mainstream

As consumers demand higher performance from AI-powered applications like ChatGPT, as well as interactive entertainment and e-commerce experiences that require large amounts of reliable power and data integrity (not to mention security), the heat is on for vendors to find ways to bring edge- data centers closer to the consumers who rely on them.

Consumer AI-powered apps that require speed and quick feedback will help drive mainstream edge computing in the future. Think of the potential applications embedded in consumer devices and vehicles, from instant banking to multiplayer gaming and real-time sports betting. Augmented reality in interactive social media experiences, where the real world meets computer-generated sounds and visuals, will require lots of computing and infrastructure like radio transmitters, towers and backup battery power to make it all reliable. For example, the NBA earlier this year tested new augmented reality (AR) fan experiences using 5G technology, allowing spectators to take 360-degree body scans on their smartphones during live games and “insert” their avatar into a picture by a live player, making it look like they were the ones dribbling in for a layup.

Phones and other consumer devices only have so much power, and many consumers complain about slow applications or limited battery life. At the same time, their users demand miniaturization and mobility. As devices become smaller but still process more data faster, the need for batteries that can handle increased power density increases. However, larger batteries make for more cumbersome devices, and consumers will continue to demand devices that can provide higher performance in a smaller package. More robust backup sources, such as supercapacitors, will need to be invented and used to store energy for later use.

To make these futuristic applications a reality, edge data centers need to be installed in neighborhoods, residential areas, and outside entertainment venues to handle the massive data needs. That won’t be an easy sell to data center developers, who prefer locations near water sources or in larger, nondescript buildings like warehouses with climate-controlled environments that are easier to maintain and protect against weather, wildlife, vandalism and theft.

Barriers to Adoption for the Mainstream Edge

High-performance edge data centers and their associated power systems can also generate a lot of heat, which must be dissipated to avoid damaging components and sacrificing efficiency. Data center designs in small shacks and buildings will eschew space in favor of highly efficient power designs with features such as rectifiers that can precisely and efficiently control the output voltage while maintaining reliability under extreme conditions.

Power sources can be sporadic or subject to fluctuating voltage surges in locations where edge data centers are introduced, so power must be efficiently processed and converted from the grid to the end use. In addition, reliable and redundant backup power requirements are essential, especially in locations where grid reliability is unstable. An edge data center’s power system must quickly switch to battery backup power in the event of a power outage while maintaining system integrity under all conditions.

Power outages and potential tampering will lead to performance and security issues. If the power goes out at home, consumers risk losing the internet for short periods. If an edge data center in a neighborhood goes offline, it can cause autonomous vehicles to lose access to real-time sensor data that can proactively reroute a vehicle based on updated traffic data or avoid a collision. Someone conducting a sensitive banking transaction can suddenly and irrevocably lose important financial data – and the money that goes with it.

Another barrier is the slow adoption of 5G networks, which promise greater bandwidth and lower latency. While these networks—and the applications they enable—will drive the need for expanded data centers, widespread deployments have been slower than originally expected. Some places have embraced the technology, while others in more rural areas have not yet been able to justify the costs of installing and maintaining the necessary infrastructure. The US government, on the other hand passedOpens a new window The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA), which provides $400 billion in subsidies to finance clean energy, and it is so far unclear whether it will help offset investment costs.