Why is Edge Computing critical for fully mature 5G network?
The adoption of 5G networks is bringing new opportunities to a variety of industries. A key aspect of 5G is that it enables software-defined networks (SDN) for an easier data and device management on intelligent software layers.
To unlock the potential of 5G, there is the need of an open edge ecosystem of hardware, software, application and network components to enable private 5G networks and open RAN infrastructures to run IoT and AI applications closer to the source of data.
Edge computing plays a pivotal role here: as 5G allows the transfer of very large amounts of data at an incredible speed, it requires a proper infrastructure of edge nodes to de-load the core network and allow a better, local management of data.
What is Edge Computing?
Traditional networks have taken a very centralized approach to managing data. Information is collected on the outer edges of the network, where it comes into contact with end-users and IoT devices. That data is then transferred back to the servers in the network core for processing so that instructions or other responses can be sent back to the devices and users on the edge. The problem with this arrangement is that it introduces significant latency delays while data travels back and forth.
Edge computing upends traditional architecture by shifting key processing functions away from the core of the network and out to the edge where users are located. Through a combination of edge data centers and IoT devices that can process data for themselves, edge computing can greatly improve network performance and significantly reduced latency.
While the primary advantages come from relocating processing functions closer to where they’re actually needed, the network also benefits from a bandwidth perspective since the overall data traffic flowing to and from the network core is reduced. Since devices can still process data locally or through a nearby edge data center, edge computing networks are much more resilient. They have the flexibility to gather and process data in multiple locations should any part of the network go down.
Even on their own, 5G and edge computing empower networks to do more for their customers. Now, let’s take a look at how they work together to drive digital transformation and deliver best-in-class network services.
How do 5G and Edge Computing Work Together?
IoT devices are most effective when they have high levels of connectivity on the network edge. When powered with sufficient connectivity, these devices can transmit large amounts of data in a flash. While IoT devices can store and process data locally, their ability to rapidly communicate information to other devices in the area is what makes them truly revolutionary.
5G and edge computing is a match made in heaven. While 5G technology operates similarly to existing cellular technology to transmit data over long distances, it’s still somewhat lacking from a connectivity perspective.
Take autonomous cars, for example. They’ll need to be able to not only take in data from their own sensors, but also share that data with vehicles on the road around them. 5G will enable these vehicles to take in large volumes of data, but edge computing is what will power them to move that data as needed.
Edge computing architecture keeps data close, while 5G technology gets it where it needs to be as quickly as possible. In short, they’re the peanut butter and jelly of data management.
As 5G infrastructure becomes more commonplace, edge data centers and IoT devices will be able to form processing areas that allow data to be generated, collected, and analyzed locally with minimal latency. This means the network edge will no longer be an edge in the traditional sense, but rather a ring of interconnected 5G networks that makes it easier to manage data and prioritize what information needs to be transmitted back to central
Why is Edge Computing critical for 5G?
The reality is that it is impossible to predict how users are going to drive the usage of newly introduced mobile networks. Therefore, for 5G Networks, 3GPP has taken a Service Oriented approach, introducing new key concepts, such as Network Slicing, or a Service Bus Architecture for Microservices, to offer the possibility to create a Virtual Network for a specific Service to deliver the best user experience to customers.
The 5G Network value proposition relies on three pillars or capabilities, usually displayed like in Figure below, associated to most relevant use cases:
Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB): aims to service more densely populated metropolitan centers with downlink speeds approaching 1 Gbps (gigabits-persecond) indoors, and 300 Mbps (megabits-per-second) outdoors.
Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communications (URLLC): addresses critical communications where bandwidth is not quite as important as speed — specifically, an end-to-end (E2E) latency of 1 ms or less.
Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC): 5G enables an 1000X increase of devices connected to the Network, moving from 1K devices per Km2 in 4G to 1M devices in 5G.
In order to deliver the above mentioned above value proposition, Edge Computing plays a fundamental role, as Compute resources are critical to enable those three capabilities to the Network, so to be able to finally deliver a satisfactory E2E experience
Moving content, services and signaling processing closer to customers requires moving compute resources closer to the devices consuming the content, running the Apps, or sending signaling coming from sensors. That is where Edge Computing not only meets 5G, but allows it to fully deliver its promised enhancements: 5G cannot be conceived just as a set of focused technical enhancements, e.g., a new radio technology, but also as a completely new paradigm for Mobile Networks, where Edge Computing plays a significant role.
Smart city solution with AWS Edge computing service
AWS edge computing services provide infrastructure and software that move data processing and analysis as close to the endpoint as necessary. These include deploying AWS-managed hardware and software in locations outside AWS datacenters, and even onto customer-owned devices themselves.
In summary, 5G and edge computing are two inextricably linked technologies: they are both poised to significantly improve the performance of applications and enable huge amounts of data to be processed in real-time. 5G increases speeds by up to ten times that of 4G, whereas mobile edge computing reduces latency by bringing compute capabilities into the network, closer to the end user.
5G needs edge computing to drive demand for its services. Today, there are only nascent markets for the types of applications 5G enables: augmented reality, mass IoT, robotics, AUVs/drones, etc. Edge computing can provide developers an environment to create the 5G applications that do not exist today even without “full 5G” being available yet.
Thank you!!
Monowar Hossain
HOD, Microwave Unit (Planning & Operation)
VEON, Bangladesh
Mobile: +8801962424691
E-mail:monowar.hossain@banglalink.net
Originally published at https://www.linkedin.com.
