Chapter 5 - Convergent network architecture of 5G and MEC

Abstract

Multiaccess edge computing (MEC) is creating a technology impact in distributing the computation to the edge of the radio access network (RAN). The MEC offers large bandwidth, low latency, highly efficient network operation and host of services to the end user. This property of MEC is going to benefit in handling the computation of voluminous data traffic created in fifth-generation (5G) network. However, MEC acts as a key technology to provide the concept of architecture of evolution of 5G from previous generation by transforming the mobile broadband network into advanced programmable and computational infrastructure for satisfying the requirements of 5G such as throughput, scalability, latency and automation. Although Internet of Thing (IoT) is an integral part of 5G, Reduced Functional Devices have limited storage and processing capabilities. Therefore, to fulfill the requirements of new compute-intense applications of 5G IoT, it is intuitive to converge with MEC for smooth processing of large data traffic to offload the cloud especially in the era of artificial intelligence and machine learning. This chapter deals with an overview of the convergence of 5G with MEC technology and enlightens technical aspects, which are crucial for any IoT-based smart healthcare system with a special focus on Convergence between 5G and MEC in the purview of IoT applications.