The role of edge data centers in edge computing
The rise of distributed architecture can be attributed to its benefits, including decreased latency, optimized bandwidth, improved performance, and lower operating costs. A key element of this distributed edge computing framework is the edge data center, strategically positioned near the source of data generation. This proximity minimizes the necessity to transmit critical data to larger, centralized data centers. Such facilities are used across various industries, such as healthcare, autonomous vehicles, and manufacturing, to enhance operational efficiency.
Edge computing has consistently been a proponent of a sustainable future, and edge data centers further this agenda by contributing to environmental sustainability. Compared to traditional cloud data centers, edge data centers are inherently more efficient, as they process and store data close to the device, thereby significantly reducing the data traffic to the cloud. Moreover, these data centers frequently use renewable energy sources for their power needs, including lighting, cooling, and ventilation.
“Whether it’s an edge data center or a larger scale deployment, we have always looked at technologies and solutions to be more efficient and environmentally friendly. From powering our facilities with renewable energy, buying green energy credits, to even leveraging AI to manage our facilities more efficiently, we are committed to operating our global platform of data centers carbon-neutrally,” says Phillip Marangella, chief marketing and product officer at EdgeConneX.
Role of edge data centers in IoT and AI technologies
While traditional centralized data centers are capable of managing heavy workload AI applications, they encounter significant bandwidth and latency challenges. This limitation has spurred increased investment in edge computing infrastructure to support various business processes. According to the IDC spending guide, global expenditure on edge computing is projected to reach $317 billion by 2026.
Edge data centers play an important role in facilitating the deployment of advanced technologies, such as the Internet of Things and Artificial intelligence, offering faster and more secure data processing capabilities. Beyond the benefits of reduced latency and improved bandwidth, edge data centers ensure reliability and redundancy, maintaining operation even when connections to centralized data centers are compromised, a critical requirement for AI applications.
“Interestingly, there’s been a heavy focus and emphasis on extensive hyperscale data center facilities to support cloud expansion and AI training deployments. However, AI inference deployments are more latency-sensitive and must reside closer to the end users accessing the AI tools,” Marangella adds.
Particularly tailored for AI applications, edge data centers are equipped to handle robust infrastructure and high cooling requirements, making them suitable for processing and storing the substantial data these applications generate.
“Therefore, AI inference architectures will look similar to CDNs and be much more distributed and deployed at the Edge. However, one difference is that the size of these Edge AI deployments will be in megawatts rather than kilowatt sizes like previous edge data center use cases,” he continues.
Data center remote management
As many large enterprises move towards integrating edge computing solutions for their networks, the shift towards distributed edge data centers necessitates a reevaluation of management strategies. Given the scale of these infrastructures, the use of complex software and tools designed for continuous operations allows these data centers to be managed remotely without direct human intervention.
Remote management technologies have a key role in enforcing robust security protocols consistently across all data center locations. These tools significantly reduce risks associated with physical security by ensuring comprehensive implementation of access controls, encryption standards, and multifactor authentication mechanisms.
“Our customers had peace of mind and maintained business continuity through our proprietary DCIM, EdgeOS. EdgeOS is a self-service management application that allows EdgeConneX and our clients to manage, monitor, and control their global data center assets, operations, and footprint from a single pane of glass, anywhere, 24 hours a day,” says Marangella.
Looking ahead, the management of edge data centers is likely to involve more AI-based capabilities alongside increased remote monitoring and control capabilities via Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) systems. This indicates a trend towards a more intelligent, efficient, and secure data center operation, capable of adapting to the dynamic demands of modern digital infrastructures.
“AI will drive tremendous new, supplemental demand for data center capacity. There is a limited vacancy in the data center market as much absorption has come from the Cloud. With AI’s sudden emergence, there will be heavy competition for already limited data center supply. Therefore, lots of new capacity will be built in core and edge markets to meet this tremendous demand,” Marangella concludes.
Read more:
EdgeConneX takes on Malaysia market with three new data centers
Edge Centres expands US edge data center presence with Hyson International acquisition
Comments