Definition ∞ Edge computing is a distributed computing paradigm that brings computation and data storage closer to the sources of data. This approach reduces latency and bandwidth usage by processing information at the network’s edge rather than in a centralized cloud. It is vital for real-time applications and efficient data management.
Context ∞ The integration of edge computing with blockchain technology is a significant area of development, particularly for decentralized applications requiring low latency and enhanced privacy. Discussions often revolve around deploying nodes for consensus mechanisms or data validation at the network edge. The scalability and security of such decentralized edge networks are critical considerations for future advancements.