Multi-Access Edge Computing in Action

4

MEC AND THE PATHTOWARD 5G

In this chapter, we analyze all the drivers for the evolution toward the edge, from a network technology point of view, starting from key performance indicators (KPIs) to the evolution of new user devices and terminals, and also describe the consequent impact on spectrum demand (regulated at both regional and global scales), which is on its turn determining the level of success of new communication technologies.

4.1 Network Evolution toward 5G

The typical increase of data traffic demand that we all have been witnessing in these years is a consolidated trend that seems to continue also in the future. Many studies [45, 46, 47 and 48] are in fact confirming this trend, and often are updating older forecasts, as ...