Edge and 5G

The adoption of 5G and edge computing will drive new expectations for an always-on, high performing network and services, which will lead many enterprises to embrace automation.

Edge computing is expected to be an important complement to 5G. These two technologies combined, promise to give mobile networks increased capacity and bandwidth with significantly lower latency.  5G needs to be put at the edge of the network, close to the users who are consuming these services.

5G will support increased data rates, service, mobility, and network coverage. Mobile edge computing will come to the forefront with the 5G network to help reduce network congestion. With these advancements, operators can provide real-time applications that run on the edge.

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.

The advent of 5G has made edge computing even more compelling, enabling significantly improved network capacity, lower latency, higher speeds, and increased efficiency. 5G promises data speeds more than 20 Gbps and the ability to connect over a million devices per square kilometer.

Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) is achieved by upgrading the network with edge deployments, resulting in more flexibility and be in a better position to keep latency down while supplying the connectivity and bandwidth needed for key 5G applications. This calls for service providers to structure their networks and include computing resources closer to the edge.

The adoption of 5G and edge computing will drive new expectations for an always-on, high performing network and services, which will lead many enterprises to embrace automation.