Into the 5G (NR) era 3GPP introduced MEC (Multi-access Edge Computing-Multi-access Edge Computing) for mobile communication networks, which is to place the computing resources at the edge of the mobile network; the benefits that can be brought by decentralization of computing power for the 5G system are as follows:
I. Low Latency One of the application benefits in 5G is a significant reduction in latency; by bringing computing resources closer to end users and devices, MEC can minimize the time it takes for data to travel between devices and computing infrastructure. This is critical for applications that require real-time response (e.g., augmented reality, virtual reality, and critical industrial automation processes).
II.High bandwidth efficiency By processing data closer to the source can be more effective use of network bandwidth, without the need to send all the data to a centralized data center, only relevant or processed information transmitted over the network; this not only saves bandwidth, but also improves the overall network efficiency.
III.Expandability The MEC architecture allows for easy scaling of computing resources based on demand, which is especially important in 5G networks; as 5G networks are expected to support a large number of connected devices and a variety of applications, the scalability of MEC ensures that the computing infrastructure can adapt to different workloads and user needs.
IV. Enhanced Security and Privacy MEC enhances security and privacy by processing sensitive data at the edge rather than in a centralized cloud. Critical data can be processed locally, reducing the risk of unauthorized access when data is transmitted over the network. This is particularly beneficial for applications involving sensitive information, such as healthcare and finance.
V. Edge AI Support MEC facilitates the integration of edge artificial intelligence (AI) applications. By running AI algorithms closer to the data source, MEC can speed up the decision-making process. This is critical for applications such as self-driving cars and smart cities that require real-time analysis of data.
VI.User Experience Enhancement The combination of low latency, high bandwidth efficiency, and edge processing improves the overall user experience; applications that require immediate response (e.g., online gaming and video streaming) can benefit greatly from MEC in 5G networks.
MEC applications in 5G offer a range of benefits, including reduced latency, increased bandwidth efficiency, scalability, improved security and privacy, support for edge AI, and enhanced user experience. These benefits make MEC a key component in optimizing 5G network performance across industries and applications.
