Is Fog Computing Necessary for Your IoT Application?

Experts in the field have cautioned that the existing cloud-computing structures utilized in numerous IoT setups today are not sufficiently prepared to handle the massive amount of data produced by the countless IoT devices expected to come online in the coming years. The demand for immediate decision-making along with apprehensions about data security have prompted the initial adopters of IoT to contemplate alternative computing architectures. In this piece, we examine the primary disparities between the cloud and fog computing models and deliberate on which computing setup is more fitting for your IoT applications.

What Exactly is Fog Computing?

Fog computing, a term coined by Cisco, refers to computing activities on gadgets situated in an intermediary layer, termed the fog layer, positioned between the cloud and the IoT edge devices. The fog layer encompasses fog nodes, which essentially encompass industrial controllers, gateway computers, switches, and I/O devices that deliver computing, storage, and connectivity services. The fog computing design extends the cloud nearer to the edge of your network where the devices are located, consequently supporting edge intelligence.

Cloud Computing vs. Fog Computing

The principle of cloud computing in the IoT involves centralized data processing. Conversely, fog computing concentrates on shifting computational power, storage capacity, device-control capability, and networking power closer to the devices.

As the IoT advances and permeates virtually every business sector, high-speed data processing, substantial data analytics, and reduced response times are emerging as the standard. Meeting these criteria via the current centralized cloud-centric model is proving to be challenging, whereas the decentralized structure of the fog computing design can deliver computing resources and application services nearer to the edge, thereby enabling faster responses.

Fog computing is most effective in IoT-based setups with dispersed end devices geographically, where connectivity to cloud systems is sporadic but low latency remains a primary requirement. IoT applications that intermittently generate extensive data levels, where transmitting data to the cloud and back is infeasible, are also well-suited for the fog computing configuration.

IoT applications that process substantial data quantities at various on-site locations and necessitate swift response times are better catered by a mixed model that comprises multiple cloud and fog resources.

The Function of Fog Nodes in Fog Computing

Central to the fog computing design are the fog nodes. Fog nodes are geographically dispersed devices with abundant resources that can be deployed anywhere within a network.

Debates persist regarding the ideal fog node profile, although the essential duties of a fog node include:

• Receiving real-time data from IoT devices
• Executing IoT-enabled applications for real-time analytics
• Typically responding to requests within milliseconds
• Offering temporary data storage until the crucial data is sent to the cloud
• Transmitting periodic data summaries collected from the devices to the cloud

A structure based on a smart gateway (such as a computer or router) with robust industrial reliability, running a mix of open Linux and Docker container, and infused with the provider’s proprietary app is being advocated as an optimal solution. The open Linux platform facilitates seamless migration of IoT applications to the IT framework while granting support for various vendors and programmability. Some service providers propose an abstraction layer between the OS and applications to facilitate the smooth deployment and management of applications on the fog node. Empowered by these capabilities, a fog node can intelligently handle extensive data sets obtained from sensors and field monitors and send only pivotal data or a synopsis of the data to the cloud.

Moxa’s Resolution

Moxa’s fog computing resolution encompasses a robust data-acquisition and device-control framework founded on Moxa Industrial Linux. For additional insights, access the Fog Computing White Paper. Moxa unites with industry majors like Codethink, Hitachi, Plat’Home, Renesas, Siemens, and Toshiba to forge a dependable and secure Linux-based embedded software platform that can be sustained for over a decade through the Civil Infrastructure Platform (CIP), which stands as an open-source initiative hosted by The Linux Foundation. The CIP initiative aims to supply a foundational layer of industrial-caliber open-source software elements, tools, and methods to enable the durable management of critical systems. For additional insights on the CIP, visit the CIP website.