The application of edge computing in IoT enables data insights to be created quickly, cost-effectively and locally, thereby removing the delay and expense caused by communicating all data. Success in IoT stems from collecting information and then being able to act upon it to improve performance, enhance efficiency or cut costs. A lot relies on effective communication of data from devices or sensors to be analysed at a central location before orders can be issued. However, this feedback loop can be minimized if the data collected can be processed at the point of collection or a nearby location.

The application of edge computing in IoT enables data insights to be created quickly, cost-effectively and locally, thereby removing the delay and expense caused by communicating all data. Success in IoT stems from collecting information and then being able to act upon it to improve performance, enhance efficiency or cut costs. A lot relies on effective communication of data from devices or sensors to be analysed at a central location before orders can be issued. However, this feedback loop can be minimized if the data collected can be processed at the point of collection or a nearby location.

The challenge is that edge computing applications depend on modules that can support a range of processes concurrently. For example, modules need to be able to support sophisticated data collection and analysis alongside real-time decision making. These modules are not basic IoT modules that have been designed to support a limited set of discrete functions but smart modules that have been engineered to support the latest edge applications with innovative hardware such as high-performance system-on-chips from vendors such as Qualcomm Technologies Inc.

Quectel’s smart module capabilities have been detailed in recent Quectel Masterclasses, titled ‘The benefits of smart modules in edge computing IoT’. These Masterclasses have set out how smart modules are supporting intelligent connected environments in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, transport and smart homes.

The APAC regional version, presented by Davis Li, a product development manager at Quectel, details Quectel’s smart module range and coverage. It also provides an introduction to edge computing and development trends, as well as highlighting the wide compatibility of Quectel smart modules with connectivity such as 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, GNSS, Bluetooth and Wireless. The APAC Masterclass is available to watch here: https://www.quectel.com/masterclass-library/smart-modules-edge-computing-apac

For those based in or targeting the EMEA marketplace, the EMEA Masterclass provides a European and Middle Eastern angle on the topic. Delivered by Zeljko Maric, a product development manager at Quectel, the Masterclass details Quectel’s relevant smart modules, showcasing their compatibility with multiple operating systems including Android, Yocto, Linux, Ubuntu and Windows. The Masterclass can be viewed here: https://www.quectel.com/masterclass-library/smart-modules-edge-computing-emea

The Indian market has a series of unique characteristics, and the Indian version of the Masterclass explains which smart modules are best suited to support the variety of edge computing applications being rolled out in India to support automation and greater efficiency. Presented by Krian Rabanal, a product development manager at Quectel, this session shared important development trends and introduced Quectel’s smart module portfolio, including the company’s edge computing solution. This version of the Masterclass is available here: https://www.quectel.com/masterclass-library/smart-modules-for-edge-computing-india

The North American version of the Masterclass, hosted by David Howard, the director of technical sales and products for North America at Quectel, can be viewed here: https://www.quectel.com/masterclass-library/smart-modules-for-edge-computing-north-america

As edge capabilities provide a means to streamline and accelerate data processing for IoT applications across the globe, these Quectel Masterclasses provide an essential source of information for device and application designers and developers who are looking to harness the power of edge technology in IoT.