Video
Couchbase Edge Server reference app
See how Edge Server can power your edge apps – get the reference app source code.
Mission-critical apps need a database designed for real-world edge conditions
Aircraft, retail stores, factory floors, warehouses – even retailers in the middle of a major city – struggle to run apps under degraded, intermittent, or no internet connectivity. Networks fail everywhere, all the time, and when they do, business stops. Edge Server was built for resource-constrained edge locations where a full server cluster isn’t practical, so mission-critical apps stay fast and always-on.
Lightweight database server built for resource-constrained edge hardware to power apps that never go down, even when the internet does
Lightweight
Runs on resource-constrained edge hardware with as little as 1GB RAM – where a full Couchbase Server cluster isn’t practical.
Reliable
Mission-critical edge apps stay fully functional when the network drops, and reconcile automatically the moment connectivity returns.
Flexible data access
REST API for browser and HTTP clients, plus WebSocket sync for Couchbase Lite apps running on devices at the edge.
One continuous data layer
Bidirectional sync to Capella in the cloud and Couchbase Lite on devices – from cloud to edge to device, one unified platform.
Edge Server key capabilities
Purpose-built for resource-constrained edge locations like aircraft, stores, factories, and warehouses. Delivers low-latency local data access, operation while completely offline, and continuous sync upstream to Couchbase Server and downstream to Couchbase Lite.
Built for resource-constrained edge hardware
Runs on edge hardware where compute and memory can’t support a Couchbase Server cluster – as little as 1GB RAM.
Secure sync from cloud to edge to device
Bidirectional sync up to Couchbase Server and down to Couchbase Lite, with TLS and version-vector conflict resolution.
Built on the Couchbase Mobile platform
Powers tier-zero apps at PepsiCo, Carnival, and PG&E – leverage over a decade of mobile and edge innovation.
Flexible data access
Edge Server exposes a simple HTTP-based RESTful interface, so any downstream HTTP client – including browser applications and lightweight services – can read and write data, run queries, and listen to change feeds. It also supports the same WebSocket-based replication protocol used across the Couchbase Mobile platform, so downstream Couchbase Lite apps sync efficiently with version-vector conflict resolution and delta sync. Two access patterns, one node – no custom middleware required to bridge web and mobile clients at the edge.
Runs where other database servers can’t
Edge Server runs on the smallest footprint – single-board computers, in-vehicle compute, kiosks, ruggedized industrial gateways – where space, power, and logistics rule out a full database server. It slots into any topology an architect needs: a layered hierarchy with Couchbase in the cloud, Edge Server in retail stores or on aircraft, and Couchbase Lite on devices; a chained edge-to-edge architecture; or a hybrid combination.
Explore related resources
Introducing Couchbase Edge Server
Couchbase Edge Server explainer video
Couchbase Edge Server datasheet
Couchbase Edge Server FAQ
Get quick answers to questions about Couchbase’s lightweight NoSQL database server.
What is Couchbase Edge Server?
Couchbase Edge Server is a lightweight NoSQL database server built for resource-constrained edge hardware. It runs on as little as 1GB RAM and exposes a REST API for local app access.
How does Edge Server differ from Couchbase Lite?
Couchbase Lite is an embedded database inside a single app. Edge Server is a database server that multiple apps and clients on the same local network can access via REST API.
Does Edge Server work without internet?
Yes. Edge Server stores data locally and keeps apps running during outages. It syncs automatically with Couchbase in the cloud when connectivity is restored.
What hardware does Edge Server run on?
Edge Server runs on resource-constrained hardware with as little as 1GB RAM, making it suitable for retail kiosks, restaurant terminals, warehouse systems, and connected vehicles.
How do apps connect to Edge Server?
Apps connect to Edge Server via a REST API, allowing any client application or programming language to read and write data without requiring a Couchbase-specific SDK.
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