Abstract
Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) is proposed as a standard framework for the provision and consumption of applications and services in proximity to the end-users of network operators. Proximity has been identified as one of the enablers of the forthcoming 5G, where extreme low latency and large bandwidth will be necessary for some services. However, the need of proximity imposes to network operators the necessity of huge investments in order to distribute computing capabilities towards the access. A less investment intensive approach would consist on sharing infrastructures by integrating MEC environments from different operators or providers. This could open the door to new business models on the one hand, as well as to avoid restrictions in terms of space, energy of regulation, on the other. This paper overviews different integration options by analyzing the MEC framework defined by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) and identifying different architectural alternatives as well as the business and technical aspects that need to be taken into consideration for realizing such integration.
Highlights
The deployment of future 5G networks will represent an important and challenging source of investment for network operators
A way of reducing such investments is the approach of sharing infrastructures among competing operators [3], as commonly happening nowadays, and/or the option of hosting mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) [4] leveraging on the infrastructure already deployed by some mobile network operators (MNOs) in the field
This paper focus on the formal specification of European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) architecture as baseline for the analysis of multi-domain scenarios
Summary
The deployment of future 5G networks will represent an important and challenging source of investment for network operators. This paper concentrates on ETSI MEC as subject of analysis In this new ecosystem demanding large investments and involving multiple actors, the integration of MEC environments from different stakeholders (in scenarios enabled by MVNOs, local 5G micro operators or infrastructure sharing) can largely benefit and assist on the generalization of the availability of such new 5G services. The integration of those environments requires the interaction of different administrative domains, imposing some challenges like security, discovery of resources and services, etc.
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