Multi-Access Edge Computing in Action

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FROM CLOUD COMPUTINGTO MULTI-ACCESSEDGE COMPUTING

This chapter introduces multi-access edge computing (MEC) from a network perspective, starting from the historical background of cloud computing, and then considering new trends (including open innovation, network softwarization, and convergence between Telco and information technology [IT]) that drove the evolution toward the edge.

Let us start, as the saying goes, in the beginning. What is MEC? To understand this properly, we actually need to start from the end, with the letter “C” denoting “Computing.” This book is primarily about computing, which currently means it is about “the Cloud” (whatever that means – we’ll get to that a bit later). Then, there is the “E” denoting “Edge.” Chances ...