Imagine you are playing an augmented reality game on your smartphone, and all of a sudden your game starts lagging because the cloud server is unable to send data. How would you feel? Frustrated, obviously. That’s where mobile edge computing (MEC) comes in. Instead of being the game’s server cloud at a distance, MEC shares a small portion of the network on the edge of the data centre. This small portion of the network helps in-game rendering and computation by removing latency. Whenever we search for something on our smartphone, we get instant answers. Do you know the reason? It is because of MEC, which helps in lowering the latency and increasing bandwidth with the server. Let’s learn more about mobile edge computing in detail.
What is Mobile Edge Computing?
Mobile edge computing is now popularly known as multi-access edge computing, which processes and extends large data capability by bringing it to the network’s edge. Basically, it shortens the distance of data process, collection, and transfer in the cloud. But how is it different from traditional computing? Well, in traditional computing, the data processing occurs in the cloud server, which is set far from the end-users. But, in mobile edge computing, the data processing occurs within the network collection points. Furthermore, it benefits by reducing latency and bandwidth consumption.
Uses of Mobile Edge Computing
Mobile or multiple-access edge computing plays an important role in many cases. Some of them we are going to discuss below.
1. Autonomous vehicles
Autonomous or self-driving vehicles have been introduced recently. With the fusion of MEC with artificial intelligence and machine learning, the vehicles can identify the object’s position, such as pedestrians, animals, and other vehicles, and navigate around them. It prevents the vehicle from collisions and overcomes disasters. If MEC was not there, then due to server failure or latency, vehicles would not be able to identify objects, which could lead to a major accident.
2. Augmented and virtual reality applications
MEC helps remote workers, such as architects, constructors, and engineers in the field of augmented and virtual reality. Moreover, after creating 3D rendering models with the help of rendering tools in your system, sharing it demands a high bandwidth to send large files. So, instead of sending the large files, MEC processes them closer to where you are. On the other hand, it is also useful for users as it enhances their gaming experience by reducing latency.
3. Cloud or multiplayer gaming
MEC enhanced the gamer’s experience by eliminating the problem of high-end PC or gaming console requirements. It helps in processing graphics within the network collection points. Due to this, the gamer’s actions and the system’s response have become faster. It also benefited low-end PC gamers as they can also experience high-quality graphics in their system. MEC allows gamers to play any game on smartphones, computers, tablets, etc.
How Does Mobile Edge Computing Work?
Mobile edge computing works by storing resources closer to mobile devices at the network’s edge. It helps boost response time, reducing lagging or latency, and increasing bandwidth by generating, processing, and analysing the data. It also supports Internet of Things (IoT) devices that require a large amount of data to work. Augmented reality or autonomous vehicles demand immediate responses for action. This means that MEC extends the cloud infrastructure to the edge of the network, closer to the data source. Therefore, the data collect, store, and process information within the cloud network. Due to travelling such a short distance, the chances of latency are reduced. It also enhances the performance, such as faster response time.
Mobile Edge vs Multi-access Edge Computing
As we discussed earlier, the mobile edge is now known as the multi-access edge. The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) and Mobile Edge Computing Industry Specification Group (MEC ISG) originated MEC as mobile edge computing in late 2014. It was then made only for mobile networks as the technology was not enhanced back then. But, in September 2017, the MEC research progressed, and they replaced mobile with multi-access.
Furthermore, the transformation occurred when the researchers realised that edge computing is not limited to mobiles only. It also includes Wi-fi, satellite networks, and 5G, too. Also, MEC is beyond mobile applications; some of its use cases are self-driving vehicles, augmented and virtual reality, cloud gaming, digital cameras, agriculture and wind energy, and more. As research has shown, MEC is not confined to mobile devices. Similarly, we can expect even more technological advancements in the future.
Bottom Line
Mobile edge computing is a computing pattern where computation and data storage are brought closer to the edge of the network. It has many advantages, including reduced latency, faster network speed, high bandwidth, improved efficiency, and support for 5G and IoT. Furthermore, popular uses of MEC are autonomous vehicles, augmented and virtual reality, cloud gaming, and more. However, the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) found that it is not limited to mobile only. Therefore, mobile edge computing is now known as multi-access edge computing.
Frequency Asked Questions
Ques: What is the full form of MEC in the network?
Ans: The full form of MEC in the network is Multi-access Edge Computing.
Ques: What is MEC used for?
Ans: Mobile or multi-access edge technology is used to shorten the distance data process, collection, and transfer in the cloud.
Ques: What is an advantage of MEC?
Ans: The advantages of MEC are that it reduces latency, has a faster system response, has higher bandwidth, improves efficiency, and more.
Ques: What is the purpose of Mobile Edge?
Ans: The purpose of mobile edge clouds is to collect, store, and process data or information close to wireless devices within on-demand computing.
Ques: What does 5G mean?
Ans: 5G refers to the fifth generation of cellular network technology.
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