Today, most IT systems that offer online services rely on cloud infrastructures. Resources are rented and dynamically allocated based on usage and contractual terms. Among the most advanced connection modes enabled by the cloud is the Internet of Things.

IoT represents a network of interconnected devices that automatically and continuously coordinate with each other to fulfill assigned tasks. It enables communication between machines, people, and things—forming the basis for smart environments, smart cities, transportation systems, energy grids, healthcare, industries, and buildings.

In a cloud computing model, data is often centralized in large data centers, accessed by IoT devices located at the edge of the network. This model reduces costs and enhances efficiency in resource sharing. However, to make IoT truly effective, processing must be brought closer to the physical devices to reduce latency and improve responsiveness.

A new paradigm, Edge Computing, has emerged to complement cloud architectures by extending computing capabilities closer to where data is generated.

This approach reduces latency—a critical requirement for real-time applications—and lowers network traffic by processing data locally. The three-tier Fog/Edge Computing model places resources at the edge, mirroring cloud capabilities at the network’s core.

Benefits include:

• Low latency

• Mobility support

• Context-aware data processing

Some services still rely on the cloud for complex computation and backup, creating a hybrid infrastructure that meets the demands of modern IoT applications. Edge nodes, such as wireless access points, can now host essential micro-operations that previously depended on cloud servers.