The power of cloud computing has altered the landscape of the digital era. With that, new technologies like the Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) are designed to help innovators and business owners leverage the capabilities of cloud computing.
What Is MEC?
MEC provides developers and content providers with cloud computing capabilities along with an IT service environment situated at the edge of the network. This unique setup brings about ultra-low latency and high bandwidth along with real-time radio network information that can be capitalized upon by applications.
MEC Versus Traditional Network Approach
The merging of IT and telecommunication networking birthed MEC, making it a significant development in the evolution of mobile base stations. MEC allows for the introduction of new vertical business segments and services for customers. Some areas where MEC finds application include Video Analytics, Location Services, Internet of Things (IoT), Augmented Reality, Data Caching, and Optimized Local Content Distribution.
The Value of MEC
MEC creates an ecosystem for operators to open their Radio Access Network (RAN) to authorized third-parties. This provision allows for flexible and rapid deployment of innovative applications and services targeting mobile subscribers, enterprises, and vertical segments.
Through the deployment of various services and content caching at the network edge, MEC can act as an enabler for new revenue streams for operators, vendors, and third parties. This ecosystem differentiates itself through unique applications deployed in the Edge Cloud.
The Future of MEC
Presently, MEC is focusing on Phase 3 activities envisioning a complex, heterogeneous cloud ecosystem. This includes MEC security enhancements, expanding the approach to traditional cloud and NFV Life Cycle Management, and mobile or intermittently connected components and consumer-owned cloud resources.
How Does MEC Aid in Edge Computing?
MEC through the Industry Specification Group (ISGI) within ETSI is giving birth to open environments that provide efficient and seamless integration of applications across vendor MEC platforms. This can benefit mobile operators, application developers, Over-the-Top players, Independent Software Vendors, Telecom Equipment Vendors, IT platform vendors, System Integrators, and Technology Providers, all of whom share the interest in mastering MEC concepts.
In conclusion, MEC represents a crucial convergence of telco and IT-cloud worlds by offering IT and cloud-computing capabilities directly within the RAN (Radio Access Network). It has been actively involved in the development of normative specifications, informative reports, and white papers.
Tags: #MEC #EdgeComputing #CloudComputing #5GTechnology