ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the benefits of multi-access edge computing (MEC) from a telecom operator perspective, including business aspects, deployment considerations, edge disaggregation, and distributed operating systems. 5G promises advantages and capabilities operators know they will need to compete globally, open new lines of revenue, and expand into new industries. As operators begin to experiment with MEC, they discover practical applications and new services that can power growth. In fixed networks, operators have built content distribution networks (CDNs) or worked with CDN partners to deploy distributed network capabilities, caching popular content closer to where they are consumed. Mobile operators have made attempts to integrate CDNs into their networks. The ability to granularly address traffic demand on a mobile radio cell is a major shift for operators. Network disaggregation plays an important role in how MEC will come to prominence in mobile networks and is present in many operator strategies.
