Operators are gradually migrating to next-generation 5G networks with service-based architecture, backed by cloud-native, disaggregated, and virtualized infrastructure. Edge cloud technologies are a significant enabler of this change; they bring computing closer to the point of service delivery to reduce latency and increase performance This is critical for the delivery of new applications such as network slicing.
Assuring edge networks is complex due to the highly dispersed nature of the workloads and their geographical remoteness. In addition, MEC can be provided in collaboration with public cloud providers; operators may elect to deploy public-cloud-based solutions at the network edge.
Providing an updated assurance solution that can cope with the new infrastructure and service types that 5G entails is a key part of the required change in operational systems. Processing assurance at the edge can allow for automated optimization at edge nodes, meaning that common control plane issues can be dealt with on local functions without having to send traffic across the network or clog up central management systems. In addition, MEC requires continuous monitoring across many nodes in different, unmanned locations; this calls for a monitoring solution that can provide detailed, packet-based analysis.
Download this Analysys Mason whitepaper to learn more about the importance of edge assurance for 5G.