How Edge Computing is Revolutionizing the Telecom Industry

CALIFORNIA CITY, Calif. - July 20, 2021 - PRLog -- What is Edge Computing?

Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) moves the networking, compute, and storage functionality from a centralized cloud to the edge of the network. Edge computing or MEC brings real-time, high-bandwidth, low-latency access to latency-dependent applications, distributed at the edge of the network. There are a number of use cases that is realized, including augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), connected cars, and Internet of Things (IoT) applications that rely on high performance and optimum utilization of network resources.

Key Drivers for MEC

The key drivers for edge computing are IoT, 4G networks, and next generation 5G networks. Owing to the rapid growth in traffic, especially video, and the increasing usage of mobile and IoT devices implies that the network infrastructures need to scale effectively to deliver and deal with higher volumes of data. MEC provides the required flexibility and agility of the Cloud closer to the customer location and meet their demands.

What is in there for Telecommunication Service Providers?

There are quite a few compelling use cases for the edge computing that Telecommunication Service Providers consider as a revenue opportunity and value addition to customer experience. It's not just about improving the customer experience. It's also about enabling substantial savings in terms of CAPEX, OPEX, transport, backhaul cost, and leases.

Use Case: uCPE

When a consumer or an enterprise requests a service (like Firewall, Routing, set-top box, or DPI Box, etc.) from Service Providers, it often needs a special piece of hardware equipment to be shipped, plugged in and configured for each service request separately. uCPE or Universal Customer Premise Equipment can replace those individual hardware with a generic x86 on which each of these applications can be run as virtual functions. The below diagram illustrates the deployment of uCPE in an NFV environment.

https://www.acldigital.com/offerings/edge-cloud