Multi-access Edge Computing
What is Multi-access Edge Computing (Mobile Edge Computing)?
Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC), also known as Mobile Edge Computing, is a network architecture that enables cloud computing capabilities and an IT service environment at the edge of a cellular network. MEC technology is designed to be implemented at cellular base stations or other edge nodes, and enables flexible and rapid deployment of new applications and services for customers. MEC is ideal to be used for the next generation of 5G cellular networks.
Why you need Mobile Edge Computing? Who needs it?
MEC implements the ethos of Edge Computing for cellular phone networks, allowing content such as movies, video games, VR / AR applications and other multimedia content to be placed closer to the user at the periphery of the network, reducing latency and bandwidth requirements. For example, popular video content can be saved at the cellular base station, reducing network backhaul and transport requirements and improving loading times.
In addition, a MEC server can be used to implement applications such as Intelligent Video Analytics – video steams can be analyzed in real time without the need to be transmitted back to a central data center, accelerating detection and response times and trigger events automatically (e.g. abandoned bags, facial recognition of wanted or missing persons etc.), or for Augmented Reality – the MEC server will provide local object tracking and local AR content caching to overlay augmented reality content onto objects viewed on a cellular device camera.
How is GIGABYTE helpful?
GIGABYTE has partnered with ITRI (Industrial Technology Research Institute), working together in developing the hardware and software architecture required to implement MEC. A demonstration of this architecture was showcased at MWC 2019 (Mobile World Conference) in Barcelona and will be implemented as part of a VR concert viewing system in the new Taipei Center for Popular Music.
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Large scale events can lead to a sudden surge in crowds, creating cellular network congestion. Even if the user capacity of a cell tower user is upgraded, the network operator is still unable to cope with an abrupt increase in demand. In 2019 Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) therefore designed and built a “Private Cell Mobile Command Vehicle”, which can deploy a pre-5G private cellular network to avoid the problem of commercial network traffic jams. The vehicle provides the New Taipei City Police Department with smooth, uninterrupted cellular network service, allowing the police staff to remotely monitor real time footage of large scale events and deploy police resources where needed, increasing the efficiency of providing event security and safety. GIGABYTE’s H-Series High Density Servers are also helping to support ITRI’s “Private Cell Mobile Command Vehicle” by reducing the complexity of back-end infrastructure – each server combines computing, storage and networking into a single system, allowing for resources to be centralized and shared across different applications. The servers also optimize the use of time and manpower by combining and centralizing applications to simplify management procedures.
GIGABYT will illustrate the key functions and applications that made 5G a highly anticipated technology evolution, and the pivotal role MEC (Multi-access Edge Computing) plays in bringing 5G into our lives. Let’s take a digital tour to experience the splendid 5G future, enabled by GIGABYTE’s edge computing solutions!
Recently, 5G communications technology has been frequently talked about in relation to various major industries – it even seems that in order to keep up with technology trends, everything should be connected with 5G! When discussing 5G however, key features such as high bandwidth, low latency and high connection density must definitely be mentioned. As the coming of 5G will revolutionize our future lives, let’s understand more clearly about 5G directly from some real-world examples! And what key role does GIGABYTE play in this next generation communications technology?