What is multi access edge computing?
Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) in 5G moves the processing of traffic and services from a unified cloud located at central location to the edge of the network and nearer to the client. Rather than sending all information to a cloud for handling, the data’s are processed, analyzed and stored at the edge of the network. Gathering and handling information nearer to the client shorten latency and offers high performance (almost real time) to the applications those need of high bandwidth.
Multi access edge computing architecture diagram
MEC characteristics:
- Proximity
- Ultra-low latency
- High bandwidth
- Virtualization
MEC additionally offers distributed computing capacities and an IT administration climate at the edge of the network. You commonly carry out MEC with data canters that are located at the edge of the network. Applications at the edge require a high data transfer speed and low latency climate. To accomplish that service providers generally build distributed cloud environment. All the resources that are built on cloud can be placed anywhere of the network. It can be placed at central location, regional location or at the edge of the network using servers or at the customer premises equipment (CPE). The MEC stage empowers conveyed edge figuring by handling content at the edge utilizing either a server or a CPE.
A unified, distributed cloud deployment using SDN and NFV and virtualization or containerization will be the key approach for MEC. It includes using of open standard hardware also.
5G MEC use cases:
Gaming – Studies have shown that even the littlest measure of dormancy in VR gaming not just breaks the deception made by the game, yet in addition gives clients a ‘nauseous’ movement disorder feeling. Edge processing will drive the inertness down to millisecond times, consequently empowering a more practical encounter.
Industry 4.0 – One of the likely plays for CSPs in modern IoT is Augmented Reality (AR) headsets for field engineers. Putting the information they need nearby, at the edge of the network, will make a more consistent involvement with getting to complex specialized directions for finishing their jobs. Accelerating information access in this utilization case can neutralize any RAN network deficiencies that might be innate in conditions loaded up with electromagnetic obstruction and spillage.
Another very important use case of industrial IOT is connected cars. In this scenario, car is sensing driving patterns, road condition, traffic information and other car movement patterns to provide insight to the driver for safety point of view. So, all these collected data to be processed and analysed very fast to provide almost real time insight.
Streaming video – MEC won’t straightforwardly assist with the transmission of the substance information, however it very well may be put to use in quickly distinguishing security dangers and setting off a reaction. That thus turns out to be high incentive for organizations.
Fixed perimeter venues – Stadium encounters, corporate grounds, amusement parks, colleges, celebrations all have a proper actual space served by a decent number of radio cells, frequently with a common segment of clients inside that area. Providing all gadgets inside that border with normal usefulness, security and experience enjoys clear benefits, yet decreasing the backhaul from these situations is tremendous for MNOs. Putting the process capability on location would handle a significant number of the deep rooted limit difficulties of huge gatherings in a single spot, all utilizing versatile information parched applications.
We have seen numerous benefits of deploying MEC, with MEC service provider can bring innovative application and services that required low latency and generate new revenues.