Mobile Edge Computing

Honey Charnalia
Riu Global Services Pvt Ltd, H-401, Chintels Paradiso, Sector 109, Gurugram 122017, Haryana, India
[email protected]

Abstract-- Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) is an emerging to mobile users. MEC is also known as Edge Computing or
technology that enables computing capabilities and services to Fog Computing. MEC can be deployed at various points in the
be deployed at the network edge, closer to mobile users. MEC network, including base stations, small cells, and access points.
offers a range of benefits, including lower latency, reduced MEC enables low-latency services, such as virtual reality,
network congestion, and increased security. This paper explores
augmented reality, and autonomous vehicles, by reducing the
the concept of MEC and its usage in 5G networks, highlighting
the technical specifications and standards set by 3GPP (3rd time taken to transmit data between the mobile device and the
Generation Partnership Project). The paper also discusses the cloud.
way forward for MEC deployment and the need for professional
help in implementing this technology.

Keywords: Mobile edge computing, 5G networks, 3GPP, Latency,

Security,

I. INTRODUCTION
The emergence of 5G networks has created a need for low-
latency services that require computation and storage resources
to be located closer to mobile users. Mobile Edge Computing
(MEC) is a network architecture that meets this need by
bringing computation and storage resources closer to mobile
users. This paper explores the concept of MEC, its benefits,
and its usage in 5G networks. The paper also highlights the
technical specifications and standards set by 3GPP, and the
need for professional help in implementing this technology.

II. WHAT IS MOBILE EDGE COMPUTING?

Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) is a network architecture that Figure 2. Benefits of Edge computing
enables computation and storage resources to be located closer (Courtesy: Intel & Moniem-Tech).

Figure 1. Introduction to Mobile Edge Computing (MEC).

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III. MEC BENEFITS developing these standards. 3GPP has defined the architecture
MEC offers a range of benefits for 5G networks, including for MEC in its Technical Specification TS 23.501. The
reduced latency, increased security, and improved network specification defines the functional requirements, interfaces,
performance. The following are some of the key benefits of and protocols for MEC, enabling interoperability between
MEC: different vendors and operators.
The key components of the MEC architecture defined by 3GPP
*Reduced Latency: MEC enables computation and storage include:
resources to be located closer to mobile users, reducing the time
taken to transmit data between the mobile device and the cloud. MEC Platform: The MEC platform provides computation and
This reduces latency and improves the user experience for low- storage resources at the edge of the network. The platform
latency services such as virtual reality and augmented reality. includes a MEC host, which provides an execution environment
for MEC applications.
*Increased Security: MEC enhances security by processing
sensitive data closer to the source. This reduces the risk of MEC Applications: MEC applications are software programs
data breaches during transmission and improves the overall that run on the MEC platform. MEC applications can be
security of the network. developed by third-party developers and can be tailored to
meet specific service requirements.
*Improved Network Performance: MEC improves network
performance by reducing the load on the core network. MEC Services: MEC services are the services provided by
This results in faster data transmission and reduced network MEC applications. MEC services can be used by mobile users
congestion. or other applications in the network.

IV. MEC USAGE IN 5G NETWORKS MEC Platform manager/System Management:

MEC is becoming increasingly important in the era of 5G MEC system management is responsible for managing the MEC
networks. 5G networks require low-latency services such as platform, MEC applications, and MEC services. MEC system
virtual reality, augmented reality, and autonomous vehicles, management includes tasks such as deployment, configuration,
which cannot be delivered efficiently using traditional cloud and monitoring.
computing methods. MEC enables these services by reducing
the time taken to transmit data between the mobile device and VI. THE WAY FORWARD
the cloud. MEC can also be used for other services such as MEC deployment is expected to grow rapidly in the coming
video analytics, unified communication, and gaming. years. According to a report by Markets and Markets, the
global MEC market is expected to grow from $127.5 million
V. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS in 2017 to $838.6 million by 2022. This growth is driven by
MEC deployment requires a range of technical specifications the increasing demand for low-latency services and the need
and standards to be set. 3GPP has played a significant role in for efficient network management.

Figure 3. Architecture of MEC.

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VII. PROFESSIONAL HELP [4] Huawei, Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) - White Paper”,
MEC deployment requires professional help to ensure that the available at: https://www.huawei.com/minisite/MEC/en/files/
technology is implemented correctly. This includes network Mobile_Edge_Computing_White_Paper_en.pdf.
planning, deployment, and management. Professional services [5] Nokia, MEC: Bringing real-time computing to the edge,
available at: https://www.nokia.com/networks/portfolio/mobile-
can help operators to identify the best deployment models
edge-computing/.
for MEC, considering factors such as network topology, user
density, and service requirements. Honey Charnalia is Senior 5GNR/LTE/VoLTE
Expert (Multivendor : Nokia, ZTE, Huawei and
VIII. CONCLUSION Ericsson) with involvement in 5G(NR), LTE,
VoLTE responsible for Optimization and Planning
MEC is an emerging technology that offers a range of benefits of LTE (FDD/TDD) networks, he has extensive
for 5G networks. MEC enables computation and storage LTE E2E testing including (PS core/Radio),
resources to be located closer to mobile users, reducing latency RNO/RNP experience in technical analysis, Radio
and improving network performance. MEC deployment Access Network (RAN) Design, Dimensioning
and optimization of Wireless Networks. Supported
requires a range of technical specifications and standards, which more than 10 large scale LTE Rollouts and 20+
have been defined by 3GPP. Professional help is required to LTE bid Trials (showcase Vendor capabilities). Have Excellent written, verbal,
ensure that MEC is deployed correctly and efficiently. interpersonal, and leadership skills. Ability to asses, organizes, and prioritizes
complex situations.
REFERENCES Possesses over 15 years of rich industry experience across Radio Network
[1] 3GPP Technical Specification TS 23.501, “System Architecture Planning and Optimization on 5G/VoLTE/LTE/UMTS/GSM technologies of
for the 5G System”. Nokia and ZTE, Huawei systems. He demonstrated excellent communication
[2] Markets and Markets, “Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) Market and relationship management skills with the ability to lead and work in cross-
by Component (Hardware and Software), Application (Video functional teams in a cross-cultural environment.
Analytics, Unified Communication, and others), Organization He conducted training workshops for clients and in-house team members all
Size (SME, Large Enterprise), and Region - Global Forecast across the globe of over 50 countries. Possesses major expertise on Nokia,
ZTE and Huawei latest equipment.
to 2022”.
[3] Ericsson, Mobile Edge Computing, available at: https://www. Worked globally with Sprint USA, AT&T USA, Nokia Japan, Nokia USA,
ericsson.com/en/mobile-edge-computing. MTN Nigeria, Ooredoo Myanmar, Clario South America, MBNL UK, E-Value
Serve Global, Airtel PAN India and many more.