The Future of Networking: IoT, SDN, and Edge Computing

Summary

In this article, we explore the future of networking, including the challenges and opportunities presented by IoT devices, the potential of software-defined networking (SDN), and the impact of edge computing. We also discuss the global infrastructure of the internet, encryption, and the exciting possibilities of 5G.

The Challenges and Opportunities of IoT Devices
The Potential of Software-Defined Networking (SDN)
The Impact of Edge Computing
The Global Infrastructure of the Internet
Encryption and Privacy
The Exciting Possibilities of 5G

The Challenges and Opportunities of IoT Devices

IoT devices, such as Casper Lan’s IoT pill dispenser, present both challenges and opportunities in networking. One of the primary challenges is keeping them configured correctly, as changes in Wi-Fi passwords or location can require reconfiguration. However, IoT devices transmit small amounts of data, typically less than kilobytes per second, but over time, they can produce a lot of data that requires computation. The speaker also notes that IoT data is often owned by commercial companies, making it difficult to share. Nevertheless, these data sets have significant research value, especially when collaborating with people who manage distributed sensor devices.

The Potential of Software-Defined Networking (SDN)

The speaker discusses the beginnings of SDN, which involves using software to tell the network what to do, rather than relying on distributed protocols in routers. Currently, SDN exists within a single provider backbone or cloud provider’s network. However, the trend towards edge computing and the flattening of the internet may make SDN more prevalent in the future.

The Impact of Edge Computing

Edge computing involves bringing computation closer to the endpoint, which can improve performance and reduce latency. The convergence of wireless communication, cellular networks, Wi-Fi, and cloud computing is particularly exciting in edge computing. The speaker notes that 5G offers not only high bandwidth but also low delay, integration of computation and communication, and more coverage.

The Global Infrastructure of the Internet

The internet is dependent on many factors, some of which are in our control, while others are not. The global infrastructure is governed by local laws, with each network being separately administered and each country having its own laws and norms. While there are some centrally agreed-upon standards and protocols, each network mostly runs itself.

Encryption and Privacy

Encryption plays a role in privacy and preventing surveillance, but it’s not perfect, as it’s still possible to infer information from encrypted traffic. The speaker notes that encryption is an ongoing topic of research in networking.

The Exciting Possibilities of 5G

Finally, the speaker discusses the exciting possibilities of 5G, including its potential to revolutionize the way we connect to the internet. Not only does 5G offer high bandwidth, but it also has low latency and the ability to integrate computation and communication. Additionally, 5G has the potential to provide more coverage than previous generations of wireless communication.

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve explored the future of networking, including the challenges and opportunities presented by IoT devices, the potential of software-defined networking (SDN), and the impact of edge computing. We’ve also discussed the global infrastructure of the internet, encryption, and the exciting possibilities of 5G. As networking continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in the years to come.