Two kinds of edge workload
Network functions — routers, firewalls, SD-WAN gateways — sit in the path of traffic and process packets. Application workloads — caches, game servers, APIs — serve users.
Different requirements
Network functions need high packet-per-second performance, low latency and direct attachment to the network. Applications need balanced CPU, memory and storage, and often specific hardware like GPUs.
Placement
Network functions must be where traffic flows: at the meeting points of circuits and clouds. Applications should be close to their users.
Matching services
- Use Peer1ix Virtual Edge for network functions attached directly to the fabric.
- Use Edge Data Centers for your own servers running application workloads.
Combine them
A typical edge design uses both: a virtual SD-WAN hub and firewall on Virtual Edge, and application servers in edge colocation, all connected through the fabric.
