Multi-Access Edge Computing Implemention On Tower Ecosystem Indonesia: Challenges And Visibility

Abstract

Edge computing has emerged as a hot topic in recent years, coinciding with the advancement of 5G implementation. Utilizing multi-access edge computing (MEC), the transmission of mobile data will occur in real time and ultra low latency. Edge computing is required to deliver 5G service. MEC is a cloud computing evolution that moves applications from centralized data centers to the network edge, bringing technology resources closer to end users and their devices. Mitratel, the largest tower provider in one of the most attractive market in the world - Indonesia. It provides nationwide coverage in highly attractive across the country. Moreover, it has aspiration to become the leading operator of mission critical infrastructure to enhance Indonesia's digital future. Now it is expanding to provide full suite of digital infrastructure solution. In the tower ecosystem, Mitratel also offers various support services, such as edge infra solution, tower fiberization, small cell, power-to-tower, and other technologies to help accelerating 5G development and provide access and convenience to cellular service providers throughout Indonesia. Telkomsel is the largest mobile operator in Indonesia with varieties of mobile services and more than 170 million subscribers. Both of them are subsidiaries of Telkom, an Indonesian multinational telecommunication holding group. Mitratel, Telkomsel, and Telkom works together to conduct proof of concept (PoC) of MEC on tower ecosystem Indonesia. Mitratel utilize its BTS Room which functions as a micro edge data center to provide edge infra solution which consist of conditioned room, power, connectivity, Network Monitoring System (NMS) and others supported infrastructures. While, Telkomsel brings mobile virtual networks, edge servers and use cases. Mitratel, Telkomsel, and Telkom have successfully completed the MEC PoC at the Mitratel BTS Room in the GBK (Gelora Bung Karno), Jakarta. This PoC shows that tower ecosystem of Mitratel is reliable to deliver MEC service proven by the result of URRLC measurement. In comparison, with MEC and without MEC, the URLLC rates are 5 ms and 15 ms, respectively. In addition, use cases such as Trash Detection, Mask Detection and Virtual Reality are successfully implemented. From the Comparison between micro edge data center of Mitratel and the American Tower, several differences were identified. This will be subject of the further development of this PoC.