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MEC (multi-access edge computing)

MEC (Multi-access Edge Computing), is a network architecture concept that enables cloud computing capabilities and an IT service environment at the edge of the cellular network. In the context of 5G and telecommunications companies (telcos), MEC is particularly significant because it brings computing power closer to the user or device, thereby reducing latency, improving data processing speeds, and enhancing user experiences[1][2].

MEC was originally referred to as Mobile Edge Computing. However, as research and development in edge computing progressed, it became clear that the edge of the network could be defined by various access technologies, not limited to mobile networks. This broader perspective acknowledges that the edge encompasses any network access point close to the end-user, including but not limited to mobile base stations, cell towers, WiFi access points, and even fixed network access points like cable modem termination systems (CMTS) and fiber optic access points (PON OLT). This realization led to the expansion of the concept to include a wider range of access technologies, thus necessitating a shift in terminology from Mobile Edge Computing to Multi-access Edge Computing.

The change officially took place in September 2017 when the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) Industry Specification Group (ISG) for MEC decided to rename itself from Mobile Edge Computing ISG to Multi-Access Edge Computing ISG. This change was made to better reflect the inclusion of non-cellular operators' requirements and to embrace the broader challenges and opportunities of edge computing beyond the confines of mobile networks

The use cases for MEC in the context of 5G are diverse and impactful across various industries. For instance, MEC can enhance IoT services by allowing data from a multitude of connected devices to be processed closer to where it is generated, saving bandwidth and improving response times. In autonomous vehicle operations, MEC can process the vast amounts of data produced by vehicles in real-time, which is crucial for safety and efficiency. Retailers can use MEC to improve customer experiences through real-time analytics and frictionless checkout workflows. In healthcare, MEC can enable remote telepresence for surgeons and rapid processing of medical data. The entertainment industry can also benefit from MEC by providing enhanced in-venue experiences through augmented reality and real-time access to content[2].

The infrastructure required for MEC includes computers, storage, network, and accelerators, such as DPDK, SR-IOV, or Numa, to achieve the necessary performance. The management of this infrastructure can be simplified using open source components and semantic channels, which facilitate the communication protocol between software components[1].

ETSI, the European Telecommunications Standards Institute, has been instrumental in defining the standards for MEC, ensuring a unified application environment where applications can access network information and capabilities through standardized APIs. This standardization is crucial for the integration of MEC within the 5G ecosystem, as it allows for a consistent and interoperable framework for application developers and service providers[4].

Citations:

[1] https://ubuntu.com/blog/what-is-mec-the-telco-edge

[2] https://www.rcrwireless.com/20211215/fundamentals/top-5-mobile-edge-computing-use-cases

[3] https://inform.tmforum.org/features-and-opinion/how-can-telcos-keep-an-edge-with-mec

[4] https://www.etsi.org/images/files/ETSIWhitePapers/etsi_wp28_mec_in_5G_FINAL.pdf

[5] https://carrier.huawei.com/en/industry-perspective/5g-core-network/5G-MEC-Redefining-the-Business-Value-of-Telecom-Networks

[6] https://blog.sasken.com/why-the-future-is-in-multi-access-edge-computing-mec

[7] https://www.redhat.com/en/topics/edge-computing/what-is-multi-access-edge-computing

[8] https://www.aranca.com/knowledge-library/articles/business-research/5g-mec-where-is-the-opportunity-and-who-will-rule-this-space

[9] https://www.etsi.org/technologies/multi-access-edge-computing

[10] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/multi-access-edge-compute-mec-what-use-cases-make-sense-mazumder

[11] https://www.rcrwireless.com/20180930/5g/what-is-mec-and-why-does-it-matter