What is the role of an edge device in a network?

The role of an edge device in a network primarily involves processing data at the network's edge with limited resources. Edge devices are typically situated closer to the data source or end-user, which allows them to perform data processing tasks efficiently and reduce latency compared to sending all data to a centralized cloud or data center for processing.

By being positioned at the edge, these devices help in filtering, aggregating, and analyzing data locally, which not only optimizes bandwidth usage but also speeds up response times for real-time applications. This is particularly important in scenarios involving Internet of Things (IoT) devices, where vast amounts of data are generated and timely decisions need to be made without significant delays.

The other options highlight different functionalities that are not specific to edge devices. Local network connections, traffic control between data centers, and data storage for backup are roles associated with other types of networking hardware and infrastructure, rather than the specialized function of edge devices.