Good find @fcmaster26. Seems what's old is new again (when you need some PR for the market anyway).

Edge computing has been around for a long time and as you and @Bushmanpat are stating, does have better efficacy on fibre for near-real-time solutions, not so much from a latency perspective (as that is what edge computing is supposedto solve), but more so from a network congestion viewpoint when compared to mobile solutions.

Of course, in fairness to @topowl and his wireless option, 5G is going a long way to fix this issue with a massive uplift in Radio Access Network (RAN) congestion by using a vast array of micro cells. The downside with cellular is the packets need to go to and from the core, but if we are strictly talking edge computing, then the latency and in fact the capacity of the RAN should not be problem if done correctly.

As alluded to in my opening remark, telcos (both wired and wireless) have been trying to implement edge computing devices for years, with smallish take up to date, other than in certain industries, using specific solutions (e.g. smart grids for DNSPs [like Energex & Ergon in Qld] using some SCADA and other solutions including their own mobile netwoks, Smart home hubs, etc.).

Still, it's definitely the way forward for reduced latency, capacity and even redundancy, but needs real HW and SW solutions at a low price point to be truly effective.

Good forum topic!!

I'm always wondering why anyone would spend the money to put actual cable in these days.

Thought wireless was the most cost-effective future-proof way forward.