fog computing

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Categories: Storage

Fog computing is a decentralized computing infrastructure in which data, compute, storage and applications are located somewhere between the data source and the cloud.

Like edge computing, fog computing brings the advantages and power of the cloud closer to where data is created and acted upon. Many use the terms fog computing and edge computing interchangeably, because both involve bringing intelligence and processing closer to where the data is created. However, the key difference between the two is where the intelligence and compute power is placed.

In a fog environment, intelligence is at the local area network. Data is transmitted from endpoints to a gateway where it is then transmitted to sources for processing and return transmission. In edge computing, intelligence and power of the edge gateway or appliance are in devices such as programmable automation controllers.

Proponents of edge computing praise its reduction of points of failure, because each device independently operates and determines which data to store locally and which data to send to the cloud for further analysis. Proponents of fog computing over edge computing say it is more scalable and gives a better big-picture view of the network as multiple data points feed data into it.

The term fog computing is often associated with Cisco and the company’s product line manager, Ginny Nichols, is believed to have coined term. “Cisco Fog Computing” is a registered name; fog computing is open to the community at large.