5G MEC: Multi-Access Edge Computing Advantages

This page explores the advantages of 5G MEC (Multi-Access Edge Computing) architecture and its benefits when used with 5G NR (New Radio) networks.

What is 5G MEC (Multi-Access Edge Computing)?

Introduction: MEC is an integral part of the 5G NR ecosystem, offering application-specific capabilities to 5G users and enabling latency-sensitive use cases. It provides networking and computing resources at the edge of the 5G network. Initially focused on mobile phones, it was originally called mobile edge computing.

Several key factors have driven the development of MEC for 5G networks:

• Growth in Mobile Devices (IoT): The increasing number of mobile devices due to the Internet of Things (IoT).
• Data Volume from OTT Applications: The expanding volume of data generated by Over-The-Top (OTT) applications like video streaming, online games, and social media.
• Need for Application Service Redundancy: The requirement to run application services in multiple locations to enhance reliability.
• Distributed Infrastructure: The need to distribute infrastructure where services are hosted within the service provider’s network.
• Simplified Management: To simplify the management and orchestration of multi-vendor functions.
• Reduced Latency for New Use Cases: To reduce latency and support emerging use cases like autonomous vehicles, Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and robotic surgery.

Image Courtesy: ETSI, www.etsi.org

The figure above illustrates a generic MEC architecture used in 5G technology. It shares similarities with NFV (Network Functions Virtualization) architecture and encompasses the following functionalities:

• MEC Orchestrator
• MEC Platform
• MEC Platform Manager
• Virtualization Infrastructure
• MEC Application Services

5G architecture offers multiple ways to integrate MEC into the network, providing deployment flexibility. As a result, MEC can be deployed in various locations within the 5G network, depending on factors such as infrastructure, applications/services, network latency, and bandwidth:

• MEC and UPF (User Plane Function) co-located with BS (Base Station)
• MEC co-located with a transmission node and potentially with UPF
• MEC and UPF co-located with a network aggregation point
• MEC co-located with core network functions

Benefits and Advantages of 5G MEC

Here are the key benefits and advantages of using 5G MEC:

• New Network Services: Enables service providers to offer new network services to customers and increase revenue by supporting diverse use cases.
• Improved Performance: Applications run in a local environment, improving performance and user experience due to lower latency.
• Seamless Integration: Service providers can roll out new services for end customers without changing the existing 5G network architecture.
• Location-Based Services: Services are available to customers based on their locations due to OTT (“Over the Top”) applications.
• Enhanced IoT Security: Provides enhanced security for IoT (Internet of Things) services.
• Increased Reliability: Offers a distributed infrastructure, improving application reliability and network services.
• Local Policy Management: Provides an environment for local policy management for enterprise customers.
• Real-Time Data Access: Offers real-time access to data locally within an IoT environment.
• Reduced Operational Costs: Reduces operational costs by minimizing the need for expensive data centers.
• Reduced Cloud Storage Needs: Reduces the need for cloud data storage, consequently saving on transport costs.
• Conserved Network Bandwidth: Conserves network bandwidth and reduces network congestion.