Multi-access edge computing in cellular networks

Abstract

Multi-access edge computing (MEC) is an extension of cloud computing technology to provide an application deployment platform close to the end users. This platform helps to deploy real-time, compute and resource-intensive applications like video caching, augmented reality, virtual reality, and Internet of Things at the edge. MEC enhances the performance of 4G and 5G networks since it achieves reduced application latency and optimizes the backhaul bandwidth utilization. Due to these benefits, MEC has become one of the key enablers of 5G technology. This paper covers evolution, architecture, current standardization activities, and use cases of MEC in cellular networks. The paper also emphasizes on how key enablers of 5G like software defined networking, network function virtualization, quality of service handling, and service based interface model will handle faster connectivity, huge data demand with less backhaul congestion, large number of devices and real-time applications as compared to MEC in 4G. Further, MEC deployment approaches in 4G and 5G are discussed, which play a vital role in achieving the requirement of 5G services.