Internet of Things (IoT) Practice Exam

What architecture makes use of edge devices for data pre-processing and storage?

1. Cloud computing

2. Fog computing

3. Distributed processing

4. Hadoop

The correct answer is: Fog computing

Fog computing is a network architecture that extends cloud computing capabilities by bringing data processing and storage closer to the source of data generation. This approach leverages edge devices—such as IoT sensors, gateways, and other localized hardware—to perform data pre-processing, analysis, and storage. The benefits of this architecture include reduced latency, efficient bandwidth usage, and the ability to handle real-time data processing needs, which are often critical for IoT applications. In fog computing, data is filtered and processed at the edge of the network, which minimizes the amount of data that needs to be sent to the cloud for further analysis. This is particularly advantageous in scenarios where immediate insights are required, or where data transfer costs or time delays might be a concern. By utilizing nearby resources, fog computing enhances the overall efficiency and responsiveness of IoT solutions. Understanding fog computing's design highlights how it complements cloud services rather than replacing them. While cloud computing aggregates data for large-scale processing, fog computing enables localized analytics that can act on data quickly and efficiently, making it essential for many IoT applications where timely responses are necessary.