Definition
Edge networking refers to a distributed computing paradigm that brings computation and data storage closer to the sources of data generation. This approach reduces latency and bandwidth consumption by processing information at or near the network edge, rather than sending it all to a centralized cloud or data center. It enables faster decision-making and real-time analytics by decentralizing processing power. For instance, smart cameras performing object detection locally before sending alerts exemplify edge networking. This differs from traditional cloud computing where all data is sent to a remote server for processing. Understanding edge networking is crucial for designing efficient, responsive, and scalable systems, and it is a key concept in domains like IoT and cybersecurity, appearing on certifications such as the CISSP and CCSP.