Denied – Getting Started with Edge Computing on AWS

In certain situations, network access can be actively denied or restricted due to security concerns, regulatory requirements, or other factors. Edge computing solutions must be able to adapt to these constraints by offering secure and compliant data processing and storage capabilities.

The classic example is forward-deployed military command posts. While in hostile territories, they may need to limit network connectivity to minimize the risk of data interception, cyber-attacks, or simply exposing their presence to the enemy. In such cases, edge computing devices can process data locally, ensuring mission-critical information remains secure and accessible. Further, pre-trained ML models can provide insights based on data gathered from thousands of disposable vibration sensors air-dropped across a hostile area – giving commanders real-time information about enemy troop movements. A combination of AWS Snow Family and AWS IoT Greengrass is ideal when such needs arise.

Intermittent/low-bandwidth

In scenarios where network connectivity is sporadic or limited, edge computing devices must be capable of managing data synchronization, processing, and storage during periods of limited connectivity, while also handling potential data conflicts and inconsistencies that might arise. AWS IoT Greengrass is perfect for a store-and-forward model such as this.

Autonomous vehicles operating in urban areas may experience intermittent connectivity due to factors such as network congestion or physical obstructions. Increasingly smaller and more powerful single-board computers can enable these vehicles to process sensor data locally and make real-time decisions, regardless of the network’s reliability.

Rural healthcare facilities may have limited bandwidth, making it difficult to send large medical imaging files to the cloud for analysis. Much like the situation discussed with oil exploration, local inferences can be made in time-critical situations. Large datasets can be automatically synchronized by physical transport as time permits using members of AWS Snow Family.

Multi-access edge computing

Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) is an innovative paradigm that brings computation and data storage capabilities closer to the edge of mobile networks, enabling real-time processing and ultra-low latency for a wide range of applications.

Mobile network operators

A Mobile Network Operator (MNO) is a telecommunications company that provides wireless voice and data services to its customers by owning and operating a cellular network infrastructure. MNOs are responsible for the deployment, maintenance, and management of the network, including radio access, core network components, backhaul connections, and interfaces with the internet or landline networks.

MNOs purchase radio frequency spectrum licenses from government authorities to transmit their signals and provide services such as voice calls, text messaging (SMS), multimedia messaging (MMS), and mobile internet access (3G, 4G, and 5G) to subscribers using mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets.

Some of the largest and most well-known MNOs globally include Verizon based in North America, Vodafone based in Europe, and KDDI based in Japan. These companies play a crucial role in the telecommunications ecosystem by connecting millions of users and enabling seamless communication and data access across various geographic locations.