clustered MEC
Clustered Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) in the context of 5G refers to a network architecture that organizes MEC servers into clusters to optimize their performance and efficiency in delivering services. This approach is particularly relevant in beyond 5G (B5G) and 6G networks, where the demand for high-speed, low-latency communication is even more pronounced. The concept of clustering in MEC involves grouping servers based on certain criteria, such as their geographical location or the types of services they provide, to enhance the delivery of edge computing services to end-users.
In a clustered MEC setup, servers within a cluster can work together to manage data traffic more effectively, reduce latency by serving requests from the nearest possible node, and improve overall network resilience and scalability. This is crucial for supporting advanced applications and services envisioned for 5G and beyond, such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), autonomous driving, and Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystems, which require real-time processing and decision-making capabilities.
The clustering mechanism also involves sophisticated algorithms for server caching, where MEC servers are sorted in ascending order of their distance from the center of the cluster. This ensures that requests are served by the closest available server, minimizing the distance data needs to travel and thereby reducing latency. Such a cluster-based multi-user multiserver caching mechanism is designed to optimize the use of resources and improve the efficiency of data delivery in B5G/6G MEC environments[1].
Furthermore, the integration of MEC in 5G networks is facilitated by the deployment of MEC platforms at strategic locations within the network, such as at the N6 reference point in a 5G system. This allows for the flexible placement of User Plane Functions (UPFs) and enables MEC to execute both radio and core network functions within the same host, simplifying the process of network slicing and enhancing the capability to deliver tailored services to different user segments[2].
In summary, clustered MEC in the context of 5G represents an advanced network architecture that leverages the principles of edge computing and clustering to meet the stringent requirements of next-generation wireless networks. By optimizing server placement and resource allocation, clustered MEC aims to deliver ultra-reliable, low-latency communication essential for the success of 5G and future wireless technologies.
Citations:
[1] https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/23/2/996
[2] https://www.aspiretechnology.com/blog/mec-and-its-advantages-on-5g-networks/
[3] https://www.researchgate.net/figure/MEC-enabled-5G-based-use-cases_fig2_353089927
[4] https://www.redhat.com/en/topics/edge-computing/what-is-multi-access-edge-computing
[5] https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9719379/
[6] https://dl.acm.org/doi/fullHtml/10.1145/3474552
[7] https://www.etsi.org/images/files/ETSIWhitePapers/etsi_wp28_mec_in_5G_FINAL.pdf
[8] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/from-metaverse-smart-factories-expanding-horizons-5g-mec-van-loon
[9] https://www.verizon.com/business/resources/articles/s/how-can-businesses-leverage-5g-and-mec/
[10] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405959521000631
[11] https://arxiv.org/pdf/1612.03184.pdf
[12] https://www.rcrwireless.com/20230422/5g/how-to-scale-commercially-successful-mec-use-cases-a-q-and-a-with-vodafone-part-1
[13] https://arxiv.org/pdf/2304.09992.pdf
[14] https://www.etsi.org/images/files/etsiwhitepapers/etsi_wp11_mec_a_key_technology_towards_5g.pdf
[15] https://e-tarjome.com/storage/panel/fileuploads/2019-06-09/1560055777_E11266-e-tarjome.pdf
[16] https://hal.science/hal-03719676/document