Edge computing moves data processing and storage closer to where data is generated rather than relying on distant centralized data centers. Instead of sending all data to the cloud, edge computing places computing resources at the edge of the network – in local servers, IoT devices, or specialized edge data centers. This reduces latency and bandwidth usage and enables real-time processing for applications that can’t tolerate delays, like autonomous vehicles, industrial automation, and augmented reality. Edge computing complements cloud computing by handling time-sensitive local processing while leveraging the cloud for heavy computation and long-term storage. As 5G networks expand, edge computing becomes increasingly important for managing the massive amounts of data generated by connected devices while meeting performance and reliability requirements.