Bringing the Cloud to the Edge of the 5G Network.
What is AWS Wavelength?
AWS Wavelength is a service provided by AWS that brings other AWS services to the edge of the 5G network. It allows developers to build applications that require low latency and high bandwidth connectivity.
AWS Wavelength is engineered to reduce the round-trip time between end-user devices and the application servers, minimising latency to the utmost extent. It achieves this by strategically deploying compute and storage resources at the edge of the 5G network. By doing so, it ensures that data has to travel the shortest distance possible, translating into near-instantaneous responses for user requests.
AWS Wavelength integrates with the AWS global infrastructure, allowing developers to leverage familiar AWS services and tools. It provides integration with Amazon EC2, VPC, AWS IAM, and other AWS services. By deploying applications with AWS Wavelength, developers can take advantage of the high bandwidth and low latency capabilities of 5G networks, enabling them to deliver responsive experiences to their users. This is particularly beneficial for particular applications and use cases, some of which we will explore below.
Use Cases and Real-world Scenarios
Real-time Gaming
One of the main use cases for AWS Wavelength is gaming. In the gaming world, latency is the plague of an enjoyable gaming experience. With AWS Wavelength, game developers can host game servers at the edge of the 5G network, considerably reducing the time it takes for a player’s actions to reach the server and receive a response.
Example: Consider a massive multiplayer online game, in a traditional setup, even a fraction-of-a-second delay can be the difference between winning and losing. AWS Wavelength ensures that player’s actions are processed with the lowest possible latency, improving the overall gaming experience.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
In AR and VR applications, the seamless integration of the virtual world with the real world relies heavily on low latency. AWS Wavelength facilitates the delivery of AR and VR content with minimal delays, enabling users to experience AR as naturally as possible.
Example: In the fashion department, a shopper can use the AR app to virtually try on clothes without having to physically change outfits. Low latency ensures that the AR app quickly renders the clothing on the person’s image in real-time, allowing them to see how the clothes fit.
Machine Learning (ML)
ML models often demand immediate responses, especially in critical scenarios like autonomous vehicles or industrial automation. AWS Wavelength allows ML models to be deployed at the edge of the network, reducing inference times to milliseconds.
Example: A self-driving car relies on real-time ML to navigate safely through ever-changing roads and streets. With AWS Wavelength, the car can process camera data at the edge with minimal latency, ensuring it makes timely and safe decisions.
Benefits of AWS Wavelength
Low Latency
AWS Wavelength reduces the round-trip time between devices and the application servers running in the AWS infrastructure. This enables applications to respond quickly to user requests, making it ideal for real-time gaming, video streaming, and other latency-sensitive applications.
High Bandwidth
Developers can leverage the high bandwidth capabilities of the 5G network to deliver data-intensive applications, particularly useful for applications that require large amounts of data to be transferred quickly, such as video processing or machine learning.
Seamless Integration
It integrates with other AWS services, allowing developers to leverage other services within AWS. This means you can easily combine AWS Wavelength with services like S3, DynamoDB, or AWS Lambda.
Cons of AWS Wavelength
Limited Availability
AWS Wavelength is currently only available in select regions, meaning that not all developers and users will have access to this service, limiting its potential reach.
Complexity
Building applications that leverage AWS Wavelength requires a certain level of expertise in both AWS services and 5G networking making it more challenging for developers who are not familiar with these technologies to get started.
Cost
While AWS Wavelength brings significant benefits, it’s important to consider the cost implications. Running applications on the edge of the 5G network may incur additional charges, so it’s essential to carefully evaluate the cost-effectiveness of using AWS Wavelength for your specific use case.
Conclusion
Overall, AWS Wavelength offers exciting possibilities for developers looking to build low-latency, high-bandwidth applications at the edge of the 5G network. However, it’s important to weigh the benefits against the limitations and costs to determine if it’s the right fit for your specific needs.
Laura Gardner is an AWS Architect at Version 1.
