Mobile Edge Computing
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Mobile edge computing (MEC) enables cloud computing capabilities and IT services at the edge of cellular networks. It addresses the long data paths and lack of determinism in quality of service (QoS) of traditional centralized architectures by relocating applications and services to the edge. This allows for campus area coverage, deterministic QoS, high availability, strong security and seamless mobility needed for demanding industrial Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The document discusses approaches like hybrid networks that separate control and user planes, as well as private LTE networks controlled by enterprises. It also highlights examples like Vodafone's 5G mobility lab demonstrating uses of MEC for areas like smart intersections and vehicle communications.
Mobile Edge Computing
- 1. © MECSware GmbH 2017 Mobile Edge Computing Torsten Musiol
- 2. 2 © MECSware GmbH 2017 • Wikipedia: “Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) is a network architecture concept that enables cloud computing capabilities and an IT service environment at the edge of the cellular network.” • MEC - Mobile Edge Computing - Mobile Edge Cloud - Multi-Access Edge Computing What is Mobile Edge Computing? Many standardization bodies, consortia, fora, etc. have their own view…
- 3. 3 © MECSware GmbH 2017 Classical mobile network architecture Centralized datacenters for Core Network and (Cloud) Application Servers Application ServersRadio Access Network (Base Stations) Core NetworkUser Equipment Mobile Edge
- 4. 4 © MECSware GmbH 2017 Long data path – non-deterministic QoS Acceptable for many cloud-based IoT applications Application ServersRadio Access Network (Base Stations) Core NetworkUser Equipment
- 5. 5 © MECSware GmbH 2017 Requirements • Campus area coverage • Deterministic QoS • High-availability • Strong security • Seamless mobility Industry 4.0 goes wireless Multiple radio technologies are competing Most demanding use cases require licensed spectrum. Many use cases can be implemented with LTE – some require 5G.
- 6. 6 © MECSware GmbH 2017 Industrial M2M applications Relocating the Base Station doesn’t solve the problem Radio Access Network (Base Stations) Core Network The data path needs to be shortened and controlled! Industrial Campus Controller Machine
- 7. 7 © MECSware GmbH 2017 The hybrid approach – controlled by the operator Local User-plane, centralized Control-plane Radio Access Network (Base Stations) Core Network Control Multiple variants • “S1 bump-in-the-wire” • Distributed S/P-GW • Control and User Plane Separation (CUPS) • Network Slicing (5G) Controller Machine Industrial Campus
- 8. 8 © MECSware GmbH 2017 The private LTE approach – controlled by the enterprise Local User-plane and Control-plane Control MECS Small Cells Controller Machine Industrial Campus Platform App Computing AppApp App Storage Networking
- 9. 9 © MECSware GmbH 2017 App Computing AppApp App Storage Networking App Central cloud vs. edge cloud Holistic approach required App Computing AppApp App Storage Networking • Common programming model • Security, privacy
- 10. 10 © MECSware GmbH 2017 ??Not desiredPrivate LTE Role allocation Different operability and business models Public LTE Network element management Service management Subscriber management User device management Enterprise Operator Radio resource management WLAN
- 11. 11 © MECSware GmbH 2017 Private LTE The complexity challenge Make LTE as easy as WLAN Network element management Service management Subscriber management User device management Enterprise Operator Radio resource management WLAN Plan Build Run
- 12. 12 © MECSware GmbH 2017 Vodafone 5G Mobility Lab – opened on 30.08.2017 Mobile Edge Cloud Server (MECS) + 4 LTE Small Cells MECS Source: Google
- 13. 13 © MECSware GmbH 2017 1) Smart Intersection 2) See-through truck 3) Geo-messaging 4) Security information Vodafone 5G Mobility Lab Live demos Source: Vodafone
- 14. 14 © MECSware GmbH 2017 • Public safety • Automotive • Mining • Construction • … Other use cases
- 15. © MECSware GmbH 2017 LTE goes local! Picture Credits: Pixabay