What is the difference between federated learning and edge computing?

Federated learning and edge computing are both decentralized approaches to data processing, but they address different challenges and operate at distinct layers of the system. Federated learning is a machine learning technique where models are trained across multiple devices or servers without centralizing raw data. Instead, devices compute local model updates and share only those updates (not the data) with a central server. Edge computing, on the other hand, refers to processing data closer to its source—such as on IoT devices, sensors, or local servers—rather than in a centralized cloud. The key difference lies in their primary focus: federated learning is about collaborative model training while preserving data privacy, while edge computing is about reducing latency and bandwidth by moving computation closer to data sources.

Edge computing prioritizes where computation happens. For example, a smart security camera might analyze video feeds locally to detect motion, instead of sending all footage to a cloud server. This reduces network traffic and enables real-time responses. In contrast, federated learning focuses on how models are trained. For instance, a keyboard app might use federated learning to improve word predictions: each user’s phone trains a local model based on their typing history, and only model updates (not the text itself) are aggregated to improve the global model. While edge computing can exist without machine learning (e.g., basic data filtering), federated learning inherently depends on distributed compute nodes—often edge devices—to perform training.

Though distinct, the two concepts can overlap. Federated learning often leverages edge computing infrastructure, as training occurs on devices at the network’s edge. However, edge computing doesn’t require federated learning; it could involve running pre-trained models locally. Conversely, federated learning could technically run on non-edge devices (like data center servers), though edge devices are common participants. A practical synergy might involve smart thermostats: edge computing handles real-time temperature adjustments locally, while federated learning aggregates anonymized usage patterns across homes to improve energy-saving algorithms—without sharing sensitive user data. Developers should view edge computing as an architectural strategy for latency-sensitive applications, while federated learning solves privacy-aware collaborative training problems.