Network Function Virtualization (NFV) has the potential to bring the same benefits attained in the data center to the network. Today NFV is being incorporated into wireless access infrastructure, from large macro cells to small indoor femtocells. This is unlocking new revenue opportunities for delivering services in the enterprise.
Hosting enterprise applications and services at the network edge
To cost effectively implement LTE, 3G/HSPA, and Wi-Fi on a single platform, next generation macro and femtocells are incorporating NFV technologies which run on general-purpose servers. This means that other applications and services can be run on the same server in separate virtual machines that are isolated from the wireless call processing tasks. Delivering services at the edge of the network is not new; however, delivering virtualized services at the edge of the network, like a “cloud: is.
Services at the edge of the network can yield the same cost, scalability and performance benefits previously only realized in the data center. Deploying services at the edge of the wireless network has several advantages; it enables a better user experience by reducing delays, it offers increased security, and it allows services to take advantage of location information. Using virtualization to implement these services permits fast deployment on secured platforms, allowing innovative services to be quickly developed and deployed close to the end user.
Services being implemented at the network edge
One of the most significant performance benefits is being realized in the delivery of video content. Caching data at the edge of the network, using predictive streaming, compression and video transcoding have resulted in backhaul traffic being reduced by as much as 45%, while simultaneously reducing latency and jitter resulting in an improved end-user video experience[1].
Ensuring the availability, integrity and the confidentiality of data over the network is always a high priority for the enterprise. The continued growth in wireless networks and BYOD adoption has introduced new security risks and vulnerabilities. Network edge virtualization services provide an opportunity to implement preventative mechanisms, such as deep packet inspection and traffic analytics, at the network edge.
Application developers around the world are taking advantage of having the same compute development environment in the wireless network edge as in the data center. The ease of use and availability of Intel high volume servers is enabling them to quickly implement new innovative services. These services range from integrating traditional enterprise PBX systems, to data analytics, location-aware applications, location tracking systems, and gateways for handling the potential exponential growth in IoT connected devices.
Edge cloud services is an essential part of any enterprise cloud solution
Located on the edge of the wireless network, the edge cloud is positioned to shape and efficiently manage network traffic, provide solutions to security threats and vulnerabilities, and deliver new services to the mobile end user. Service providers, telecom equipment manufacturers, ODMs and third-party developers are starting to capitalize on the revenue opportunity by providing edge cloud solutions that run on next generation wireless cells.
[1] The benefits of Edge Cloud computer is discussed in multiple Intel white papers http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/communications/communications-wireless-access.html
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