Foglets

Foglets are a concept in fog computing describing small, decentralized processing units deployed near data sources to extend cloud capabilities toward the edge. A foglet provides computation, storage, and communication services, enabling data processing to happen locally rather than in centralized data centers. They are usually built from a collection of heterogeneous hardware—edge gateways, embedded servers, routers—as well as software that runs in lightweight virtual environments such as containers or unikernel instances. Foglets are designed to be loosely coupled and scalable, and can operate across multiple network domains.

Role and capabilities include data filtering, aggregation, and real-time analytics; event detection; support for low-latency responses; operation with intermittent connectivity; and the ability to cache data for offline operation and synchronize with the cloud when connectivity returns. They form a movable, adaptable layer that can be augmented or reduced as workload and network conditions change.

Architecture and deployment rely on a continuum between devices and cloud. Foglets are placed throughout a network so that services can run closer to data sources. Placement decisions are often dynamic, guided by orchestration systems that consider latency, bandwidth, and energy use. Mobility and heterogeneity are common, and security features typically include authentication, secure communication channels, and access control.

Applications span smart cities, industrial IoT, autonomous vehicles, video analytics, traffic management, and remote monitoring. Foglets are a unit within fog computing designed to enable distributed, software-defined services that can be orchestrated, migrated, and scaled across the edge–cloud spectrum.