Edge vs. Cloud IoT Data Storage: NAS vs. Scale-out NAS

Posted by Kiara Taylor on September 20th, 2023

The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming different industries by enabling efficient and smart operations. IoT devices generate enormous amounts of data, which require secure and reliable storage solutions. Traditional cloud computing technologies were the go-to solutions for IoT data storage; however, with the latest technological advancements, edge computing has emerged as an alternative solution for IoT data storage. Edge computing offers distributed computations and data storage closer to the end-users, while cloud computing is centralized data storage systems accessed through the internet. Which storage solution, edge computing or cloud computing, is better for IoT data storage? In this blog post, we'll delve into the two solutions and explore the pros and cons of each, alongside the role of NAS storage and scale-out NAS storage.

Edge Computing

Edge computing is a model of computing closer to end-users, capturing and analyzing data before sending it to centralized storage systems. Edge computing enables faster processing times, higher security levels since data doesn't leave the site, and lower latency since it doesn't require the internet. Additionally, edge computing offers reliable data processing, especially during network outages, compared to cloud computing, which relies heavily on internet connectivity. IoT devices connected to the edge computing ecosystem intelligently collect, store and analyze data on a local server or gateway located very close to the device address. Since the data is stored locally, edge computing is excellent for businesses in industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and finance. Edge computing's advantage lies in its potential to speed up data transmission, boost real-time processing and reduce network congestions.

Cloud Computing

On the other hand, cloud computing stores data in a centralized repository by means of a remote server, with access available to the users through the internet. The model allows different types of services, including storage, servers, databases, applications, analytics, and security services. Cloud computing offers numerous benefits, such as scalability, cost-effectiveness, flexibility, security, and reliability. It means companies can increase their storage capacity, enhance performance and processing power, increase applications integration, and enjoy the relative ease of deploying applications and information from anywhere. Cloud computing is an excellent solution for businesses whose operations span large geographical areas, such as gaming, e-commerce, and social media platforms.

NAS Storage and Scale-out NAS Storage

NAS (Network-attached storage) and scale-out NAS storage are popular solutions for data management. NAS storage is one of the most popular solutions for storing and accessing data files on a shared network. It is relatively straightforward and easy to set up, with low power consumption and minimal maintenance needed. You can access data stored in NAS storage from devices connected to the same network. Scale-out NAS storage can offer high-performance solutions that enable the storing and accessing of files across multiple devices at the same time, providing more storage capacity, better processing speeds, and high-throughput performance with a centralized IP that permits scalable ecosystems and easier addition of storage nodes.

Comparison between Edge Computing and Cloud Computing

When choosing between edge computing and cloud computing, several factors should be considered, such as costs, security issues, and data processing requirements. Cloud computing may not be ideal in some scenarios, including security, privacy, and latency-critical applications. Edge computing, on the other hand, might be best when faster data processing is required or for applications in remote areas with poor connectivity. Cloud computing is much more cost-effective than edge computing, but due to its centralized storage system, there might be latency issues.

Conclusion

The NAS storage and scale-out NAS storage are designed to solve the challenges of data storage requirements by IoT devices. Edge computing offers faster data processing and analysis, increases real-time capabilities, and can work with weak or no connectivity. Cloud computing provides cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and centralized storage capabilities for businesses that cover extensive geographical locations. Companies must consider their objectives, needs, and available resources before choosing the best solution for their IoT data storage. Regardless of the choice of storage solution, securing the data remains crucial, and suitable measures must be undertaken to minimize the risk of data breaches.