Bring Real-time, High-bandwidth and Low-Latency Access to End Users
MEC’s value has been magnified with the advent of 5G. Edge computing orchestrates 5G’s massive bandwidth capability and drastically lowers latency by processing data closer to where the intelligence is required—where real-time decisions can and should be made. Security is also increased by simply keeping the data within closer proximity. All the data processing, storage, analytics and communication can be done at the network edge rather than distant data centers and clouds. Important data can now be processed in near real-time at the edge and immediate decisions can be made.
- Video Streaming Optimization
Real-time communications between a radio access network (RAN) and a mobile user are evaluated on an MEC server (e.g. for cellular load and link quality), allowing for dynamic optimization of video content delivered to the device. For example, high-quality video with high bit rate is streamed to the mobile user when network conditions are good, and lower-quality video with lower bit rate is streamed when network conditions are bad in order to guarantee a smooth viewing experience.
- Optimized Local Content Distribution and Data Caching
Frequently accessed content such as news websites, trending video content and popular pages on shopping websites are cached on the MEC server. When this content is requested by a subsequent mobile user, the cached versions are delivered, greatly reducing download time and improving the user experience. Additionally, network transmission costs on the backbone are also decreased.
- Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality (VR/AR)
To deliver a real-time experience based on intensive graphic processing, VR and AR require ultra-low latency and the fastest possible response times to function properly, making MEC an ideal partner. VR and AR technologies are being adopted in retail and marketing beyond just gaming and entertainment to effectively improve the quality of service (QoS).
Distance measurements are carried out on the MEC server using data collected from base stations. Precise positioning and tracking of mobile devices is achieved based on location algorithms, allowing location-related business services to be provided to mobile users.
While enabling enterprises to improve efficiency and productivity, IIoT also faces many implementation challenges, which can be effectively addressed by 5G networks together with MEC. By locally processing, analyzing and storing data , MEC architecture can ensure data integrity and network security, optimize bandwidth utilization, make critical decisions without delay, and ultimately enhance system performance.
