Fog computing also known as fog networking or fogging, is a
decentralized computing architecture that brings cloud computing
capabilities to the network's edge. This method intends to increase
efficiency, minimize latency, and improve data processing capabilities.
What is Fog Computing?
Fog Computing is the term introduced by Cisco that refers to
extending cloud computing to an edge of the enterprise's network. Thus, it
is also known as Edge Computing or Fogging. It facilitates the operation
of computing, storage, and networking services between end devices and
computing data centers.
The devices comprising the fog infrastructure are known as fog nodes.
In fog computing, all the storage capabilities, computation capabilities,
data along with the applications are placed between the cloud and the
physical host.
All these functionalities are placed more towards the host. This makes
processing faster as it is done almost at the place where data is
created.
It improves the efficiency of the system and is also used to ensure
increased security.
Types of Fog Computing
Device-level Fog Computing: Device-level fog computing utilizes low-
power technology, including sensors, switches, and routers. It can be
used to collect data from these devices and upload it to the cloud for
analysis.
Edge-level Fog Computing: Edge-level fog computing utilizes
network-connected servers or appliances. These devices can be used
to process data before it is uploaded to the cloud.
Gateway-level Fog Computing: Fog computing at the gateway level
uses devices to connect the edge to the cloud. These devices can be
used to control traffic and send only relevant data to the cloud.
Cloud-level Fog Computing: Cloud-level fog computing uses cloud-
based servers or appliances. These devices can be used to process
data before it is sent to end users.
Components of Fog Computing
Edge devices: Edge devices are the network devices nearest to the
data source. Edge devices consist of sensors, PLCs (programmable
logic controllers), and gateway routers.
Data Processing: Data processing occurs locally on edge devices
rather than being routed to a central location for processing. The end
effect is greater performance and lower latency.
Data Storage: in Data storage. Instead of transferring data to a central
place, edge devices can keep information locally. This increases
security and privacy while lowering latency.
Connectivity: For fog computing to work, edge devices must be
connected to the rest of the network at high speeds. This can be done
using wired or wireless methods.
When to Use Fog Computing?
It is used when only selected data is required to send to the cloud. This
selected data is chosen for long-term storage and is less frequently
accessed by the host.
It is used when the data should be analyzed within a fraction of
seconds i.e Latency should be low.
It is used whenever a large number of services need to be provided
over a large area at different geographical locations.
Devices that are subjected to rigorous computations and processings
must use fog computing.
Real-world examples where fog computing is used are in IoT devices
Devices with Sensors, Cameras (IIoT-Industrial Internet of Things), etc.
Advantages of Fog Computing
This approach reduces the amount of data that needs to be sent to the
cloud.
Since the distance to be traveled by the data is reduced, it results in
saving network bandwidth.
Reduces the response time of the system.
It improves the overall security of the system as the data resides close
to the host.
It provides better privacy as industries can perform analysis on their
data locally.
Disadvantages of Fog Computing
Congestion may occur between the host and the fog node due to
increased traffic (heavy data flow).
Power consumption increases when another layer is placed between
the host and the cloud.
Scheduling tasks between host and fog nodes along with fog nodes
and the cloud is difficult.
Data management becomes tedious as along with the data stored and
computed, the transmission of data involves encryption-decryption too
which in turn release data.
Applications of Fog Computing
It can be used to monitor and analyze the patients' condition. In case of
emergency, doctors can be alerted.
It can be used for real-time rail monitoring as for high-speed trains we
want as little latency as possible.
It can be used for gas and oils pipeline optimization. It generates a
huge amount of data and it is inefficient to store all data into the cloud
for analysis.
Conclusion
Finally, fog computing delivers cloud capabilities to the edge of networks,
increasing efficiency, lowering latency, and improving data processing
capabilities. It is perfect for real-time data analysis , low-latency
applications such as IoT, and situations where data privacy and security
are critical. While it provides scalability and lower bandwidth usage, it also
has issues in managing data congestion and increasing power
consumption. Fog computing is making progress in applications such as
healthcare monitoring, industrial IoT, and real-time analytics across a
variety of industries.
