What is Edge Computing?

Simply put, Edge Computing is placing data computing resources closer to where the data is generated rather than a remote location in the “Cloud." Edge Computing is a general term and there are several implementation architectures that range from small, regional data centers; to data centers in a rack on a factory floor or exploration site; to cellular towers and poles. Charles Industries' experience and expertise is in helping users locate computing equipment outdoors at the edge of the Telecom network, especially at cellular sites or small cell implementations.

Why Edge Computing?

A prime advantage of placing computing equipment at the network edge is lower latency. Latency is the time it takes for data to transmit across a network from end point to end point. Historically, most applications could not process data fast enough for the time across the cloud to make a difference. Of course there were some unique use cases such as modeling on a high performance compute cluster or high speed financial trading where latency was a factor.

• 5G is inherently very low latency
• Reduces network congestion
• Multi-access Edge Computing protocol

Use Cases:

• Autonomous vehicles
• Virtual reality, augmented reality
• Drones
• Smart cities: safety, security, metering, lighting, parking, etc.
• Internet of Things (IoT) aggregation

Challenges of outdoor Edge Computing:

Locating network work equipment in an outdoor environment is always a tricky endeavor. Weather and climate create harsh environments that change with the season. Enclosures must protect Edge gear from a variety of environmental conditions. Some of these challenges include:

• Switches and routers operating in -40ºC to +60ºC temperatures and generally at 1-2 watts per port
• Servers are especially challenging, with extended temperature servers are up to +45ºC, with a rare few operating up to +55ºC
• Telecom specification requires operation to +46ºC ambient
• Meeting telecom specification requires air conditioning (A/C) which limits computing density
• Servers generate 300W to 1200W per unit, requiring heat dissipation
• Racks cannot be fully populated and expected to easily cool in the outdoors

Charles has the expertise and experience to provide the right Edge Computing
enclosure for your specific needs:

With more than 20 years experience creating environmental cabinets, terminals and other enclosures for telecom, broadband cable and utility applications, the Charles' team has a broad range of areas of expertise to put to use in designing and manufacturing your Edge Computing enclosure solution.

• GR487 and NEMA 4X Certification
• Water Intrusion
• Wind Driven Rain
• Weather Tightness
• Thermal Performance
• Zone 4 Seismic
• Lifting Detail Strength
• Door Restrainer Strength
• Wind Resistance
• Impact Resistance
• Fire Resistance
• Electromagnetic Interference
• Acoustical Noise
• Generator Exhaust Temperatures
• Transportation Shock
• Installation Shock
• Transportation Vibration
• Ground Current Capacity
• Corrosion Resistance
• Paint Adhesion

Outdoor enclosure specification requires advanced thermal analysis to ensure reliable equipment operation. Charles has the dedicated engineering personnel and resources to provide comprehensive thermal testing and reporting for your specific location and equipment. Charles is familiar with a wide variety of form factor designs and can easily provide pole mount, pad mount, H-frame mount or multi-ganged cabinets. For pad mount applications, quick install CPAD mounting platforms are available.