What is an Edge Node?

An edge node is a physical or virtual machine located at the edge of a network. Edge nodes act as gateways and bridges between local networks, such as in a home or office, and the outside world. Edge nodes are typically responsible for providing connectivity between the local network and the outside world, such as the internet, and for providing security for the network.

Edge nodes are typically configured as routers, which can be used to forward packets from one local network to another. The packets are forwarded based on their destination IP address, which is determined by the router. Edge nodes can also be used to provide network access control, such as setting up firewalls and access control lists (ACLs) to limit the type of traffic that can access the local network.

Edge nodes can be used for data collection, processing, and analysis, and for running applications that need to interact with devices at the edge of the network. Edge nodes are often used in IoT deployments, in order to collect and process data from sensors and other devices, and to provide a connection point for devices that need to communicate with the rest of the network.

Edge nodes are also typically used to provide internet service, such as setting up DHCP servers or providing DHCP services to other nodes on the local network. Edge nodes may also be used to provide other services such as DNS and web hosting. Additionally, edge nodes may be configured to provide virtual private network (VPN) services, allowing users to connect to the local network securely via the internet.

Edge nodes are an important part of the network architecture, providing both security and flexibility to a network.