Industrial Edge Computing: Choosing the Right Cellular Router
By Julie McDanielVice President Marketing
November 26, 2024
Reduced latency, lowered bandwidth requirements, and localized data analysis are just a few of the reasons why industrial companies opt for edge computing solutions.
The edge brings computing power closer to where data is collected. Consider a manufacturing plant, for example, where IoT sensors monitor equipment health in real time. The proximity of industrial-grade edge computing means that the vast amounts of data generated by IoT sensors can be analyzed and acted upon without being sent to a remote data center or cloud.
Below are three common edge computing scenarios and what to consider when choosing a router for your implementation.
Types of Industrial Edge Computing
The user edge, 5G edge, and public edge are among the foremost implementation options, each serving distinct purposes.
User Edge
The user edge is characterized by the deployment of computing resources on-premises or at the edge of the user's network. This is commonly adopted in environments requiring ultra-low latency, such as construction sites and vehicle area networks.
By minimizing the reliance on distant data centers or cloud services, user edge computing reduces the corresponding risks of network connectivity disruptions and security attacks.
Public Edge
The public edge is strategically positioned at Internet Points of Presence (PoPs), bridging the gap between local computing resources and large-scale cloud environments. It supports a wide range of applications, from real-time analytics and machine learning models to dynamic content delivery and edge-based security services.
By processing data closer to its source while maintaining strong connections to cloud infrastructures, the public edge optimizes the balance between local processing needs and the elaborate computational resources of the cloud. Moreover, this configuration facilitates real-time data analysis and decision-making by leveraging the proximity to end-users while ensuring that only essential data or computations are escalated to the cloud.
5G Edge
The 5G edge takes the public edge to the next level by deploying small yet powerful computing nodes near cell towers or in distributed network locations. These nodes (usually a 5G Router) are designed to process data from connected IoT sensors in real-time before it needs to traverse the core network. Because these nodes are integrated within the 5G infrastructure, data transmission is swift, benefiting from 5G's high speed and low latency.
The edge computing node can make real-time decisions based on the processed data. These decisions can be automated or communicated to human operators for further action. For example, suppose a machine starts operating outside of its optimal parameters. In that case, the edge node can immediately send commands to adjust the machine's settings or alert maintenance personnel — all within seconds. Moreover, only relevant data or insights, such as summaries or alerts, must be sent back to the central server or cloud for further analysis or long-term storage, reducing bandwidth requirements and costs.
Considerations for Choosing an Industrial Edge Computing Router
While a device-by-device approach to network management may suffice for smaller fleets, it becomes impractical as organizations grow due to the increasing complexity, time and resource demands, and the risk of errors and security vulnerabilities.
When determining the right solution, key considerations include security, interoperability, deployment ease, continuous connectivity, and data transmission speed. Within the realm of network infrastructure devices, Perle’s IRG Cellular Routers are an excellent example of how to address these needs effectively:
- Interoperability: With the most modern enterprise-level protocol routing support (RIP, OSPF, BGP-4, VRRP, IPv4, IPv6, OpenVPN, IPSec VPN, and DHCP) and remote authentication (RADIUS, TACACS+, & LDAP) management, Perle IRG Routers will integrate seamlessly with enterprise-grade systems in hierarchical or large mesh network structures.
- Security: With an integrated zone-based policy firewall and 2 Factor Authentication, Perle IRG Routers protect industrial networks against cyber threats.
- Ease of deployment: Perle's cloud-based centralized management puts the network and IT infrastructure into a single application for secure, reliable access and visibility during normal operations or critical network failures.
- Continuous connectivity: Perle IRG Routers offer primary or backup 5G and LTE coverage, as well as dual-SIM support for seamless network failover.
- High-speed data transmission: Leveraging 5G and LTE-Advanced Pro, Perle IRG Routers ensure rapid data transfer for real-time applications and operational efficiency.
Perle IRG Routers are specifically tailored for industrial environments. Their adaptability to various edge computing applications ensures that industrial enterprises can choose a solution that best fits their specific operational needs.
And, with no ongoing licensing fees, you can benefit from a cost-effective solution that maximizes your investment while ensuring the flexibility needed to adapt to evolving industrial demands.
