Edge can also mean edge computing, a computing paradigm that brings data processing and computation closer to the data source or "edge" of the network, rather than relying solely on centralized cloud servers. It is designed to reduce latency and improve real-time processing by performing data analysis and executing applications on edge devices or local servers, which are often situated in proximity to where data is generated.
This approach is particularly valuable for applications requiring low latency, such as IoT devices, autonomous vehicles, and real-time industrial control systems, as it enables faster decision-making, better responsiveness, and more efficient data transmission, while also reducing the load on centralized data centers.