ETSI Mobile Edge Computing Industry Specification Group (MEC ISG) has just released three foundation-level Group Specifications which define mobile edge computing terminology, study technical requirements and use cases, and specify the framework and reference architecture of MEC.

GS MEC 001 provides a glossary of terms related to the conceptual, architectural and functional elements of Mobile Edge Computing. This will enable consistent use of terminology within ETSI MEC specifications and, beyond the ISG, more widely in industry. The second document, GS MEC 002, specifies technical requirements enabling interoperability and deployment and describe examples of use cases of mobile edge computing. The third specification, GS MEC 003, provides a framework and reference architecture to enable mobile edge applications to run efficiently and seamlessly in a mobile network. It also describes the functional elements and the reference points between them, and a number of mobile edge services that comprise the solution.

“ MEC has created great momentum in the industry and is evolving into a key building block in the evolution of mobile broadband networks, complementing NFV and SDN. ” says Nurit Sprecher, Chair of ETSI MEC.

ETSI Mobile Edge Computing ISG is now working on nine new studies related to MEC APIs, management interfaces and essential platform functionality. In addition, they will study mobile edge computing in an NFV environment, and work on end-to-end mobility. Four Proofs of Concept demonstrations have already been showcased to demonstrate the feasibility of the Mobile Edge Computing concept and the value it offers.

MEC is identified as a key enabler for IoT and mission-critical, vertical solutions and is recognized as one of the key architectural concepts and technologies for 5G. Mobile edge computing enables a myriad of new use cases across multiple sectors as well as innovative business opportunities.