EDGE COMPUTING

IN 5G NETWORKS
Edge computing is an important part of modern 5G networks, aiming to
improve user experience and enhance network efficiency by bringing services
closer to the user. This article explains the basic concepts, architecture, and
use cases of edge computing in simple terms, based on six important parts.

Alali Khalaf, RF Optimization & Planning Engineer Eng. Al-Ali

 INTRODUCTION
Edge computing is a new way to improve how mobile
networks work.
It allows services to be hosted close to the user’s
location, often near the base station.
This reduces delays, called latency , and makes data
travel faster.
It also helps networks work better by reducing the
need to send all data to faraway servers. This article
covers the basics of edge computing, how it works in 5G

Alali Khalaf, RF Optimization & Planning Engineer Eng. Al-Ali

PART 1 BASICS OF EDGE COMPUTING
Edge computing lets a user’s device (smartphone or car) connect
to services that are hosted close to the base station it’s using.
Better User Experience: Since the services are nearby, data
travels faster, reducing delays.
Improved Network Efficiency: Less data needs to be sent across
long distances, freeing up resources for the network.
example, if you’re watching a live video at a stadium, edge
computing can make sure the video loads quickly without delays.

Alali Khalaf, RF Optimization & Planning Engineer

Eng. Al-Ali
PART 2 HOW EDGE COMPUTING WORKS
Services close to the user are hosted using special components:
User Plane Function (UPF)
This is a network feature that helps direct data traffic.
Data Network (DN) or Local Area Data Network (LADN)
These provide the actual services like video streaming or
augmented reality.
These components can be located:
1. Near the base station.
2. At a router within the transport network (the path data takes).
3. At a nearby regional data center.
For instance, at a football stadium, these parts might all be
located close by to ensure fans have fast access to game updates
or replays.
Alali Khalaf, RF Optimization & Planning Engineer Eng. Al-Ali
 PART 3 LOCAL AREA DATA NETWORK
(LADN)
LADN is a special type of network that works only in a specific area, unlike the
public internet that works everywhere.
how it works ?
1.The LADN operates within a specific region, such as a stadium, office
building, or city block.
2.UE can request LADN details from the network when it connects.This
happens through communication with the Access and Mobility Management
Function (AMF) component.
The LADN information includes:
1.Data Network Name (DNN): A unique name for the network.
2.Tracking Areas: Regions where the network is active.
The device can use this LADN network while it stays within these areas. If the
user moves outside the area, the session will end.
For example, if you’re connected to a private network in an office and leave the
building, you’ll lose access.
Alali Khalaf, RF Optimization & Planning Engineer Eng. Al-Ali
PART 4 APPLICATIONS OF EDGE COMPUTING
1.Live Video Streaming at Events: At a Formula 1 race, spectators can only see
parts of the track. An edge computing system can provide video streams of
other parts of the race. The video is generated and shared locally, close to the
base station.
2.Augmented Reality in Museums: Museums can use edge computing to
provide visitors with extra information about exhibits through augmented
reality. A server nearby tracks the visitor’s location and offers relevant data in
real time.
3.Corporate Networks: Offices can use a Local Area Data Network (LADN) for
employees. Instead of sending data to a central network, edge computing lets
employees access company data locally.
4.Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) Communication: Along highways, roadside
units (RSUs) can use edge computing to send real-time updates to vehicles.
For example, they can share traffic light timing or parking space availability
with cars nearby.
Alali Khalaf, RF Optimization & Planning Engineer Eng. Al-Ali
PART 5 NETWORK ARCHITECTURE FOR EDGE
COMPUTING
NETWORK ARCHITECTURE FOR EDGE COMPUTING

Base Station Regional/ Local Centralized

Location Data Center Data Center
UPF UPF Anchor DN
Uu
NG-U N9 N6
Khalaf, RF OptimizationN4
AlaliNG-U & Planning
N4 Engineer
UPF Anchor N4
SMF
N6 N6
LADN AMF

Uses separate connections for local and remote data, which

works well for applications that only need local access
(AR, local video). Eng. Al-Ali
 NETWORK ARCHITECTURE FOR EDGE COMPUTING

Base Station Regional/ Local Centralized

UPF and LADN Location Data Center Data Center
UPF UPF Anchor DN
are installed Uu
NG-U N9 N6

NG-U N4
near the Base UPF Anchor
NG-UKhalaf, RF Optimization & PlanningN4
Alali
N4
Engineer

SMF

Station. LADN
N6 N6
AMF

Two separate NG-U interfaces are used:

1.One connects to the local UPF (for LADN services).
2.The other connects to the remote UPF (for access to distant Data
Networks).
Note, A separate PDU Session is created for the UE to access LADN
services locally.
This setup ensures very low latency and efficient use of the local
network for services that don’t require remote data access.
Eng. Al-Ali
VERIZON'S EDGE COMPUTING IN ACTION 1
Verizon, Telecom operator in the United States, has implemented edge
computing to enhance its 5G network and provide advanced services
with low latency. By hosting data processing and applications closer to
the user, Verizon improves network speed and performance.
Main Points
1. MEC Platform: It has deployed a Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC)
infrastructure, allowing data to be processed at the edge of the
network instead of traveling to distant data centers. This significantly
reduces delays and enables faster response times.
2. Partnership with AWS: It partnered with Amazon Web Services
(AWS) to introduce AWS Wavelength. This collaboration brings AWS
cloud services directly into Verizon’s 5G edge network, enabling
developers to build applications that require ultra-low latency.
Eng. Al-Ali
VERIZON'S EDGE COMPUTING IN ACTION 2
Use Cases
1.Cloud Gaming: With edge computing, Verizon supports cloud gaming platforms
by reducing delays. Players experience smooth, real-time gaming with no
noticeable lag, even in graphically intensive games.
Example: user playing a high-definition online game where every move is
processed instantly without delays.
2.Augmented Reality (AR): In augmented reality applications, users see
interactive digital overlays (like museum guides or shopping recommendations)
that respond in real time.
Example: A shopper could point their phone at a product in a store and instantly
see reviews or price comparisons.
3.Autonomous Vehicles:Edge computing helps self-driving cars process data
from sensors, cameras, and traffic systems in real time. This allows vehicles to
make split-second decisions, enhancing safety and navigation.
Example: Cars receive traffic updates and parking availability faster than
traditional systems.
Eng. Al-Ali
IF YOU ARE AN OPERATOR AND WANT TO
IMPLEMENT MEC IN YOUR NETWORK
BELOW ARE THE STEPS TO DESIGN,
DEPLOY, AND OPERATE AN MEC SOLUTION
Start by identifying the main goals of implementing MEC in
your network.
Examples of Use Cases
Low-latency services like AR/VR, gaming, or IoT
applications.
Real-time video streaming for smart stadiums.
Industry-specific applications like smart factories or
autonomous vehicles.
Enhanced customer experiences in high-demand areas
Eng. Al-Ali
Design the MEC architecture that integrates with your existing 4G/5G network
Components to Consider
1.User Plane Function (UPF): For routing local traffic to MEC servers.
2.Local Area Data Networks (LADN): For region-specific services like private 5G networks.
3.Edge Nodes: Deploy MEC servers close to base stations or in regional data centers.
4.Transport Network: Ensure low-latency connections between MEC servers, base
stations, and core networks.
Select MEC platforms and hardware/software vendors based on your needs
Common Vendors ‘’Nokia,Ericsson,Huawei’’ Provide end-to-end MEC solutions integrated
with 5G, ‘’AWS Wavelength, Microsoft Azure, Google Anthos’’ Cloud integration for edge
applications.
HPE or Dell: Hardware providers for MEC servers.
Build and Deploy MEC Infrastructure
Deploy the physical and virtual components of your MEC system.
Physical Deployment:1.Install MEC servers near 5G base stations or at edge data centers.
2.Use advanced routing equipment for traffic management, Virtual Deployment:
1.Use virtualization platforms like OpenStack or VMware to run MEC services.
2.Deploy containerized services using Kubernetes for scalability.
Eng. Al-Ali
 Integrate with 5G Core Network
Modify your 5G core network to support MEC, Deploy Control Plane features like:
1.Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF): Manages user connectivity.
2.Session Management Function (SMF): Handles session creation and data routing.
Implement UPF (User Plane Function) close to MEC servers for localized routing.
Develop APIs and Applications
Provide APIs (Application Programming Interfaces)for third-party developers to create
edge-optimized applications.
API Examples: Location-based services, Real-time analytics for IoT devices.
Video optimization APIs for streaming apps.
Optimize Network Placement
Place MEC nodes strategically to maximize coverage and performance.
High-Demand Areas: Stadiums, airports, and shopping malls.
Industrial Applications: Smart factories and warehouses.
Smart Cities: Near traffic management hubs and public services.
BY FOLLOWING THESE STEPS, YOU CAN
SUCCESSFULLY IMPLEMENT MEC IN YOUR
NETWORK AND PROVIDE SERVICES TO
YOUR USERS
Eng. Al-Ali
 MEC EXPLAINED WITH BOL.COM AND TEMU
ANALOGY
To understand MEC, let’s compare it to online shopping:
1.Bol.com: A Dutch platform with local warehouses that deliver products quickly, often
within a day.
2.Temu: A global platform shipping items from China, taking days or weeks to deliver.
MEC works like Bol.com’s local warehouses. Popular shows and videos are pre-stored on
local MEC servers near users, just as Bol.com stocks products locally for faster delivery.
When you stream on platforms like Netflix or Ziggo Go:
Without MEC: Content comes from a distant server (like ordering from Temu), causing
delays or buffering.
With MEC: Content is cached locally (like Bol.com’s warehouses), ensuring fast, smooth
streaming with minimal latency.
MEC reduces delivery time for data, just like Bol.com does for products

Alali Khalaf, RF Optimization & Planning Engineer Eng. Al-Ali

PART 6 STANDARDS GUIDING EDGE COMPUTING
To ensure edge computing works efficiently, standards and guidelines
are provided by two key organizations:
1.ETSI MEC Standards: European Telecommunications Standards
Institute created a group to define how edge computing should work.
This group has published many reports and specifications, like ETSI GS
MEC 003, which describes the framework and architecture of MEC
systems, These standards also define Application Programming
Interfaces (APIs) that developers can use to build applications for MEC
systems.
2.3GPP References: 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has its
own specifications for edge computing: TS 23.501: Explains the 5G
system architecture, including edge computing.
TS 24.501: Covers communication protocols between the user and the
network.
Eng. Al-Ali
 SUMMARY
Edge computing is changing how 5G networks work by bringing
services closer to users. This helps reduce delays and makes
the network more efficient. Important parts of this technology
include the UPF and LADN, which support real-time
applications like live video, augmented reality, and self-driving
cars.
Verizon’s use of AWS Wavelength shows how edge computing
can provide fast, low-latency services. The design, along with
standards from ETSI and 3GPP, is helping industries like
gaming, IoT, and smart cities grow. With the right setup, Multi-
access Edge Computing (MEC) can create smooth, fast
experiences in places like stadiums and factories.
Alali Khalaf, RF Optimization & Planning Engineer
📩 [email protected] |🔗 www.linkedin.com/in/alali-khalaf Eng. Al-Ali