A Comprehensive Guide on Multi-Access Edge Computing for Enterprises

The need for faster, more efficient data processing is greater than ever, and multi-access edge computing is how we achieve this. Multi-access edge computing is revolutionizing how we handle data, bringing computation closer to the source and drastically reducing latency. This guide will explore how MEC benefits enterprises, what its common use cases are and what its future will be.

What is multi-access edge computing?

Multi-access edge computing (MEC) is a type of network architecture that processes tasks closer to end users, rather than processing in a cloud infrastructure. MEC offloads traffic from core networks and decentralizes computational power and storage. The power and storage are positioned at the edge of the network on local devices, allowing the data to be processed locally instead. 

The result of MEC is ultra-low latency. With lower latency and faster data processing, content and applications can increase their responsiveness drastically by running on MEC. This low latency makes MEC ideal for tasks that require real-time (or very close to real-time) interactions, such as self-driving cars and 5G networks.

Key features and characteristics of multi-access edge computing

Multi-access edge computing has some unique features that distinguish it from normal edge computing and other kinds of data processing. Here are some of the key features that define multi-access edge computing and give it its strengths:

Highly distributed local processing

Being highly distributed is a key characteristic of MEC. All, or nearly all, processing is located on the edge and is local to the applications. 

Low latency

As mentioned above, MEC offers enterprises ultra-low latency. Because the data is being processed so close to the application and the end user, there’s no need for the network to move data to a central processing area. This allows applications to process data in real-time for faster decision-making. 

Continuous operations

You don’t have time for downtime when your customers demand real-time responses. MEC has the benefit of continuous operations. Because data is processed locally, applications can run independently, which means they’re safe if something happens to your enterprise’s core processing system. 

Why so many companies are turning to multi-access edge computing

As customer demand for real-time data processing and responsiveness grows exponentially, multi-access edge computing is needed more every day. There’s a drastically increasing demand for ultra-low latency. Enterprises are scrambling to embrace MEC to optimize their maxed-out bandwidth and prevent their networks from being overloaded. 

From a more proactive perspective, MEC is also advantageous because it provides better data security. It also offers more scalability as companies plan for future growth.

The benefits of using multi-access edge computing

More enterprises are opting for multi-access edge computing because of its many advantages. 

Faster processing

The number one reason enterprises are investing in multi-access edge computing is for the speed. The ultra-low latency data processing minimizes data transit time, allowing companies to achieve real-time responsiveness. Fast processing is great for customers, and it benefits the business too: data analysts can identify problems with apps and can find trends in data faster than ever. 

Improved user experience

No lag! Customers love applications that function using multi-access edge computing. The reduced latency and non-congested networks mean they can enjoy VR video games, accurate predictive maintenance for manufacturing equipment, safe autonomous vehicles and faster healthcare diagnostics in near-real time. MEC’s continuous operations also ensure uptime for happy customers. 

Enhanced security

If a data breach happens to your core cloud, your independent distributed applications will still be safe. MEC also offers companies enhanced security because the processing of sensitive data happens locally, rather than traveling to the cloud. The more traveling data does, the higher its risk of exposure. Local data processing is also important because in many cases, regulatory compliance requirements mandate that data not cross some geographical borders.

Scalability 

The demand for data is high, and it will only increase. Stay prepared to scale up to meet your data demands by investing in MEC. 

MEC also helps with scalability because it allows enterprises to more freely add apps and services. Because data processing happens locally, companies can add new applications without having to reconstruct their entire architecture. This leaves companies room to customize their offerings to meet future customer demands. 

Healthier networks

With MEC, your networks won’t get overloaded. MEC processes data locally, so it’s not constantly sending massive amounts of data to the cloud to be processed. This saves your networks from the stress of transporting lots of data and potentially experiencing lag because of the overload. Less network congestion means better application performance. 

Resource efficiency 

One of the biggest benefits of MEC is its resource efficiency. MEC dynamically manages network loads and adapts to traffic levels. Not only does the network management make sure your infrastructure lasts longer, it also makes sure resources are allocated appropriately. You’ll waste less and ensure that resources are always there to run your critical applications. 

Cost efficiency

In addition to saving money because of resource efficiency, you’ll gain more savings with MEC because there’s less data to transfer. Most data is processed locally and only relevant data is sent to the cloud, minimizing your bandwidth costs.

Real-world use cases of multi-access edge computing

Many industries are already taking advantage of multi-access edge computing. Here are some common MEC use cases where MEC is particularly beneficial. 

IoT device management

Internet of Things (IoT) devices can function faster without overwhelming your networks if they use MEC. MEC keeps the data local, which keeps data safer — ideal for IoT devices like patient monitoring devices that handle sensitive information. IoT computing is much faster when it uses MEC to reduce latency on the data it sends out. 

Smart cities

Smart cities are the future with multi-access edge computing. For example, monitoring traffic in real time is easy with MEC. MEC’s real-time video monitoring can identify dangerous situations, increasing public safety. Additionally, if sensors in city sewer lines, water lines and power lines experience any anomalies, the city can know right away and start fixing any issues. 

Content delivery

By catching videos, photos, and large files at the edge, MEC cuts down on latency — perfect for VR and streaming. Your visuals will be higher-quality too because the local data processing delivers your content faster. Don’t worry about slowing down content for other people in your home, either — MEC is less stressful on your network. As a bonus, companies can personalize content better with MEC’s fast data feedback and real-time adjustments. 

What does the future of multi-access edge computing look like?

What does the future hold for MEC? Multi-access edge computing is already in high demand, and in the near future, demand for it will only increase. 

Forbes predicts that MEC will be key to democratizing AI. With AI model deployments to the edge, companies can save money on bandwidth costs over a cloud AI model. As companies continue to implement AI in many different business functions, edge computing will also be the only feasible way to handle the massive amounts of data generated by AI activities. 

The world will also see MEC applied to more industries. For example, healthcare will likely start using MEC for faster diagnostics and real-time patient monitoring. Manufacturing will get smarter and more efficient with MEC’s instant data feedback and improved predictive maintenance. 

One of the rough predictions about MEC proliferation, though, is that regulations likely won’t keep up. Especially in healthcare, finance, and other highly regulated industries, the laws around MEC won’t develop at the same pace as the innovations. It may be harder to establish industry standards for MEC infrastructure and stay compliant with regulations.  

SUSE and multi-access edge computing 

It’s no wonder multi-access edge computing is expected to grow at a CAGR of 43.6% until 2032. MEC is a highly advantageous option that provides enterprises with ultra-low latency, better security, and more resource efficiency than cloud computing. 

SUSE and MEC go hand-in-hand. We both have goals of flexibility, scalability and efficiency. To see how you can manage your edge computing with small-footprint, reliable and highly secure software, check out SUSE’s solutions for Edge. 

FAQs about multi-access edge computing 

Have questions about multi-access edge computing? We have answers. Here are the TL;DR versions of common questions about MEC. 

How does multi-access edge computing work?

Multi-access edge computing works by using a highly distributed computing architecture to move power and data storage away from the cloud and to the edge of the network, where it processes data as close to the end user as possible. 

What is the difference between multi-access edge computing and mobile edge computing?

There are several differences between multi-access edge computing and mobile edge computing. 

Mobile edge computing is an older version of edge computing. It was focused entirely on telecommunications. It was developed originally for mobile phones and, in a way that was revolutionary for its time, powered 4G and 5G networks. 

As more techniques developed, developers created multi-access edge computing. MEC encompasses 5G and telecommunications functions, but also does much more. In addition to 5G, MEC supports Wi-Fi, fixed networks, enterprise networks, VR, manufacturing robotics and more. 

What do you need to start using multi-access edge computing?

To start using multi-access edge computing successfully, here’s what you’ll need. You’ll have to have the right infrastructure in place, including edge servers or edge nodes. A cloud computing connection is also helpful to process large amounts of data. 

You’ll need MEC-compliant platforms that easily support edge-based applications, such as AWS Wavelength, Microsoft Azure Edge or Google Distributed Cloud Edge. SDKs and APIs are also needed to build and deploy edge-enabled applications. 

Finally, you’ll need a network for your MEC connectivity. Maybe that’s a 5G network, or perhaps it’s a cloud integration.