The Log
Edge computing is a powerful concept but also a confusing one. "The edge" is often used as a catch-all term to describe any computing done outside the traditional data centre or cloud. Yet this simplicity can be misleading. In reality, edge computing spans a wide spectrum of environments and use cases—from factory floors and smart cities to military vehicles and remote outposts.
At Antillion, we believe it’s essential to differentiate the types of edge to better match hardware with mission demands. That’s why our PACE platform includes two distinct options—PACE AIR and PACE Frontier—each engineered for a different class of edge deployment. But before we explore why this distinction matters, it’s important to define what the edge really means.
What Is the Edge?
Edge computing shifts processing power closer to the source of data. Rather than sending everything back to a centralised cloud, compute tasks—like AI inferencing, analytics, or communications—happen locally. This enables faster decision-making, reduces bandwidth needs, and allows for better operation in disconnected or low-connectivity environments.
But the term "edge" is subjective. In commercial sectors, it might mean a server in a store, a cabinet on a factory floor, or a rack in a telecom facility. In defence, it could be a ruggedised system in a vehicle, on a ship, or carried to a forward position. These scenarios vary significantly in terms of physical environment, mobility, and infrastructure support. That’s why more specific terms like near edge and far edge have emerged.
Near Edge vs. Far Edge: One Concept, Two Realities
The idea of the near edge versus the far edge helps us describe where and how edge computing is happening. These terms aren’t defined strictly by physical distance but more by environmental exposure and operational constraints.
Near Edge refers to computing environments that are closer to the data source but still benefit from some infrastructure—like power, shelter, and moderate climate control. Examples include:
- A smart factory with servers managing industrial automation
- A mobile command post with semi-sheltered conditions
- Vehicles or systems where space and power are limited, but not extreme
At Antillion, we see these deployments as demanding high performance and mobility, without requiring full ruggedization. This is where PACE AIR fits—a platform that balances compute density and portability for situations where size, weight, and power (SWaP) matter, but where exposure to water, sand, or shock is limited.
Far Edge, on the other hand, describes environments that are much harsher and more dynamic. These are the edge locations that may lack any form of physical protection, environmental control, or reliable infrastructure. Examples include:
- Deployed military bases or vehicles operating in extreme weather
- Remote industrial outposts or outdoor installations
- Tactical edge scenarios with no guaranteed connectivity
Here, equipment must be sealed, robust, and mission-resilient. Our PACE Frontier Platforms are designed specifically for this kind of far edge. With IP65/IP68 ruggedization, shock and vibration tolerance, and sealed designs, they are built for environments where standard IT gear simply won't survive.
Why Environment Is the True Edge Divider
While proximity to the cloud or data centre is one way to define edge, we believe environmental conditions and deployment needs are more meaningful. Edge computing is not just about geography; it’s about:
1. Physical Environment
Can the equipment handle heat, cold, dust, water, or impact? Far edge systems often operate outdoors, in transit, or under duress.
2. Ruggedization Requirements
Far edge deployments need protection from ingress (dust, water), shock, and vibration. This often means IP-rated enclosures, fanless cooling, and durable chassis designs.
3. Portability and Form Factor
Near edge devices must often be compact and quick to deploy—whether that’s in a transit case, vehicle, or compact control room. The form factor must fit the mission.
4. Power and Connectivity
Near-edge systems often benefit from reliable power and network access. Far edge systems may require backup batteries or solar power or operate entirely offline. They need to be energy-efficient and self-contained.
These environmental and operational factors influence everything from component selection and cooling to mounting options and thermal performance.
Why Having Two Platforms Makes Sense
Recognising the variety in edge deployments, Antillion created two tailored platforms rather than trying to stretch a single design across radically different use cases.
- PACE AIR is optimised for near-edge use cases. It’s compact, powerful, and industrially rugged—ideal for applications where performance and portability matter, but where the physical environment is not overly extreme.
- PACE Frontier is engineered for the far edge. Its IP65/IP68 ratings and MIL-grade construction make it suitable for the most challenging deployments. Whether it’s deployed on a ship, in a field tent, or mounted in a vehicle, Frontier provides dependable compute where infrastructure is minimal or nonexistent.
This dual-platform approach is not about marketing differentiation—it’s about meeting real, diverse operational needs. By tailoring systems to their environments, we reduce failure points, improve performance at the edge, and support mission continuity in both commercial and defence domains.
Edge computing is not one thing. It’s many things, in many places, under many conditions. Understanding the difference between near edge and far edge—and the demands each brings—is essential for deploying the right hardware for the job.
At Antillion, we’ve built the PACE AIR and PACE Frontier platforms to reflect this understanding. Whether you're dealing with an industrial near-edge use case or operating at the tactical far edge, our approach ensures performance, resilience, and reliability where it matters most.
