Integrating Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) into Open 5G Core

Abstract

Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) represents the central concept that enables the creation of new applications and services that bring the benefits of edge computing to networks and users. By implementing applications and services at the edge, close to users and their devices, it becomes possible to take advantage of extremely low latency, substantial bandwidth, and optimized resource usage. However, enabling this approach requires careful integration between the MEC framework and the open 5G core. This work is dedicated to designing a new service that extends the functionality of the Multi-Access Traffic Steering (MTS) API, acting as a strategic bridge between the realms of MEC and the 5G core. To accomplish this objective, we utilize free5GC (open-source project for 5G core) as our 5G core, deployed on the Kubernetes cluster. The proposed service is validated using this framework, involving scenarios of high user density. To conclude whether the discussed solution is valid, KPIs of 5G MEC applications described in the scientific community were sought to use as a comparison parameter. The results indicate that the service effectively addresses the described issues while demonstrating its feasibility in various use cases such as e-Health, Paramedic Support, Smart Home, and Smart Farms.

A Novel Radio Network Information Service (RNIS) to MEC Framework in B5G Networks

“…The current RNIS and MEC specifications do not include specific 3GPP UE link information, which raises uncertainties about how RNIS should interact with 5G mobile networks. The lack of detail raises questions about how RNIS should obtain information from the 5G Radio Access Network, highlighting the case that RNIS itself needs improvement to obtain and expose such radio network information effectively and whether communication between the MEC and 5G networks [21] needs improvement to provide such information-capture mechanisms. In addition, the correct exposure of NG-RAN information needs an improvement in terms of integration between MEC and B5G [18,[22][23][24].…”