Why combining 5G and Edge Computing has become a necessity?

Feb, 2021 - By WMR

There are many new developments in edge computing that are changing how people use computers. Edge computing is an emerging distributed computing platform that brings data storage and processing closer to the desktop where it's used, to speed up response times and reduce bandwidth consumption. The popularity of Web sites such as Twitter and Facebook, along with other applications that run on the Internet, has brought about a sea change in the way information is accessed. It's no surprise that the companies who have adapted most quickly are those that create the applications and websites people want to visit.

There are two primary objectives in using edge computing: to provide a better experience to customers and to reduce costs. To do this, a company needs to deliver a service or application to its customers that perform a more useful task when it is used in the local area. One example of this is allowing doctors to make decisions based on real-time data obtained from their mobile devices. Companies also use edge computing to make data more accessible to their employees, so that they can make informed decisions based on what is happening in the office. One example is that an IT team might allow its employees to make more informed decisions based on sensors located in the office, rather than having the information communicated to them through email or text.

In addition to providing a better experience for customers, edge computing provides businesses an economic model. The reason why some businesses choose to use hosted services versus building servers and custom servers are as it's cheaper to host data on a local network vs. remote servers. This also has the added benefit of reducing bandwidth usage since it doesn't require the same infrastructure that a cloud would. The advent of 5G, the fifth generation technology standard for broadband cellular networks could further boost the capabilities of edge computing. Many researchers in the field of edge computing, as well as the telecom sector, argue the need for integration of 5G with edge computing. 5G has low latency as compared to its predecessors and can match the targets that have been set in the industry.

While telecom operators are claiming that 5G twenty times faster than LTE1, the average user will not be able to experience this. There is still a question regarding how 5G will achieve ultra-low latency. This is where edge computing comes into play as it can help to reach the targets that are set. Furthermore, operators are gradually deploying a 5G network, which means the ‘Full 5G’ coverage is not there yet and insufficient for the ecosystem of new applications. Experts believe edge could boost the 5G market with widespread coverage. That being said, the combination of 5G and edge computing is necessary, in order to achieve ultra-low latency, which would be useful for the functioning of autonomous drones or remote telesurgery. As a matter of fact, the edge can allow operators to revolutionize their backhaul business models with extensive data analysis. One can say, it is a matter of time where will see 5G and edge computing disrupting the market for good.