Multi-access Edge Computing for IoT applications

Brochure

Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Saguna create cloud-computing cloudlets at the access network, close to end users and connected devices, allowing CSPs to turn their networks into powerful cloud computing infrastructure.

Imagine a world where cars can alert you of dangerous drivers, cities that provide intelligent parking, congestion management, pollution detection and mitigation, emergency response and security, a factory where sensors capture and report data in real-time, creating intelligent automation and orchestration, and such in industries like manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and logistics. We are almost there.

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Business challenge

Data is being generated tremendously, and this data is of no use until it is analyzed, processed, and actionable. This is the foundation of Internet of Things (IoT). It is unrealistic and improbable to think that every piece of data is sent to or will reach the cloud for processing.

With the explosion of data being generated, the three main business challenges that prevent all applications from running exclusively in the cloud are

• Latency: Applications need local cloud services operating close to the edge devices to analyze the data at the edge, thus minimizing latency for time-critical actions.

• Bandwidth: Even if latency issues are surmountable, the economics (cost) of hauling large amounts of data (for example, video data) from the edge to the cloud for processing becomes expensive and inefficient.

• Security: Furthermore, the data that is processed at the source (edge) is more secure as sensitive information is handled locally, addressing the data sovereignty issues.

The previously mentioned challenges are the reasons why the market is seriously trending toward exploring edge computing and processing.

This is the world of 5G.This new generation of applications fuels the need for technological advancements for new business opportunities for mobile operators. To realize these business opportunities, edge computing is required.

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Why choose HPE and Saguna Networks for MEC?

• Saguna makes mobile broadband faster, simpler, and more economical with smart virtualized software solutions.

• With Saguna, mobile operators can monetize, optimize, and accelerate their mobile networks by bringing internet content and applications into the Radio Access Network (RAN)—as close as possible to mobile users.

• The award winning Saguna Open-RAN is the only solution that accelerates the content delivery from radio access network while preserving user mobility.

• Based on the ETSI Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) standard, the Saguna Open-RAN enables mobile operators to deploy new revenue-generating services for content delivery, IoT, retail, and enterprise applications.

• HPE Edgeline systems are built for the edge with dense Intel® x86 compute, ruggedness, and latency.

• HPE Edgeline systems propose dedicated GPU to accelerate deep learning algorithms (for example, video analytics, AI, and machine learning).

• Cryptographic acceleration is possible through Intel QuickAssist Technology.

• Up to four PCIe extension slot for specialized plug-in units such as dedicated FPGA boards, neuromorphic chips, and such is available.

• HPE Edgeline systems reduce latency, bandwidth, and operational cost of edge network deployments.

Solution drives the need for compute at the edge

MEC transforms mobile communication networks into distributed cloud computing platforms that operate at the mobile access network. Located near end users and connected devices, MEC enables mobile operators to open their networks to new, differentiated services while providing application developers and content providers’ access to edge cloud benefits.

Key to the implementation of MEC is recognition and adherence to a global standard. ETSI MEC Industry Specification Group (ISG) has defined the first set of standardized APIs and services for MEC. The standard is backed by a wide range of participants from leading mobile operators and industry vendors.

MEC is currently deployed in today’s 4G networks. By deploying this standard-based technology in their existing networks, communication service providers can reap the benefits today while creating an evolutionary path to their next-generation 5G network.

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Enabling applications at the telco network edge

To enable next-generation applications and services, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Saguna Networks have created a platform that enables applications at the network edge. The platform allows mobile operators to effectively deploy MEC and operate edge applications within the fabric of their mobile network using Saguna MEC software running on HPE Edgeline hardware.

Figure 1. Three main layers of mobile edge solution

Edge Infrastructure LayerBased on powerful Intel x86 compute platform designed to address specific challenges of mobile network edge environment, Edge Infrastructure Layer provides compute, storage, and networking resources at edge locations.

Physical infrastructure for MEC Node is based on edge-optimized converged platform—the HPE Edgeline EL4000.

Figure 2. Inside configuration of HPE Edgeline EL4000 Converged Edge System needed for this application

HPE Edgeline EL4000 hosts up to four hot-swappable compute cartridges in 1U chassis, providing up to 64 Intel® Xeon® D cores with optimized price/core and watt/core characteristics. The design provides up to three times higher compute density than a typical data center component while reducing power consumption.1 The power consumption and environmental characteristics allow an operator to place an HPE Edgeline EL4000 in an MEC Node at the deepest edge of access network down to a RAN site, where space and power constraints make other general-purpose compute platforms not feasible.

1 “Saguna Open-RAN—HPE Edgeline EL4000 Test Report,” HPE and Saguna, 2017

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Diversity of MEC use cases requires different types of compute resources. HPE Edgeline EL4000 platform provides diverse compute and hardware acceleration capabilities, allowing to colocate workloads in the same chassis with different compute needs.

• General workloads—Intel x86 processors (for example, Virtual Networks Functions [VNFs]).

• Built-in GPU to accelerate graphics processing.

• Dedicated GPU to accelerate deep learning algorithms (for example, video analytics, AI, and machine learning).

• Cryptographic acceleration through Intel QuickAssist Technology.

• PCIe extension slots—Up to four for specialized plug-in units such as dedicated FPGA boards, neuromorphic chips, and such.

MEC LayerMEC Layer enables placement of an application within a mobile access network, providing services that can include mobile traffic breakout and steering, registration and certification services, and radio network information services. It also provides optional integration point with mobile core network services such as charging and lawful intercept.

The MEC Platform Layer is based on Saguna Networks Open-RAN solution and consists of following functions:

• Saguna vEdge resides in the MEC Node and enables services and applications to operate inside the mobile RAN by providing MEC services such as registration and certification, Traffic Offload Function (TOF), real-time Radio Network Information Services (RNIS), optional DNS services.

• Saguna vGate is an optional component, which resides in the core network. It is responsible for preserving core functionality for RAN-generated traffic: lawful interception (LI), charging, and policy control. The Saguna vGate also enables mobility support for session generated by an MEC-assisted application.

• Saguna Open Management and Automation (OMA) is an optional subsystem, residing in the MEC Node or at aggregation point of several MEC Nodes. It provides a management layer for the MEC Nodes and integrates it into cloud NFV environment (NFVO, VIM, and OSS systems).

Application Enablement LayerThis layer provides the tools and framework to build, deploy, and maintain edge-assisted applications. Application Enablement Layer spans from edge locations to the centralized cloud allowing application placement locally at the edge (for example, latency-critical or bandwidth-hungry components) while keeping other application functions centralized in the cloud.

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Features and benefits

• The Mobile Edge Computing platform creates secure and direct fast-track connections between internet content providers and web applications to mobile users.

• With real-time network feedback, Saguna Open-RAN also promotes network-aware content optimization and acceleration.

• Saguna Open-RAN features fully virtualized architecture creating a scalable infrastructure adding value to 4G networks and beyond to 5G and HetNets.

• Low latency and coordinated exchange of data and control commands between objects and the surrounding infrastructure provides highly specific context for every interaction.

Configuration

Product Part recommendations

HPE Edgeline EL4000 M510_16c server cartridges with 128 GB of memory and 1 TB SSD m.2 driveNumber of cartridges depends upon the type and number of use cases supported by a chassis

Saguna software Q9Y03A, Q9Y04A, Q9Y05A, Q9Y06A, Q9Y07APart numbers based on subscriber count

Summary

Technological and market developments are creating a new wave of applications that rely upon the instantaneous communication and analysis found in modern mobile networks using edge access infrastructure. While the newest may not be available, this solution brochure illustrates the reasons to develop an edge network enablement to serve multiple edge use cases. The MEC solution offers application developers and content providers, the cloud-computing capabilities and an IT service environment at the edge of the network.

This environment is characterized by ultra-low latency and high bandwidth as well as real-time access to radio network information that can be leveraged by different applications in different domains.

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Brochure

© Copyright 2018 Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for Hewlett Packard Enterprise products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. Hewlett Packard Enterprise shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.

Intel and Intel Xeon are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. All other third-party trademark(s) is/are property of their respective owner(s).

a00048533ENW, June 2018

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About Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Hewlett Packard Enterprise is an industry-leading technology company that enables customers to go further, faster. With the industry’s most comprehensive portfolio, spanning the cloud to the data center to workplace applications, our technology and services help customers around the world make IT more efficient, more productive, and more secure.

HPE EdgelineHPE Edgeline Converged Edge Systems enable true edge computing. In a single enclosure, they provide unprecedented high-performance compute, precision data capture and control systems, data center-class security, and HPE Integrated Lights Out (iLO) systems management. These industrial-grade network edge devices are hardened for IoT edge environments and can operate in virtually any environment to deliver secure, uninterrupted connectivity. Upgradability and I/O options provide a strong foundation for your future IoT plans, enabling you to expand your IoT infrastructure beyond the confines of traditional data center and avoid vendor lock-in.

About SagunaSaguna, the Multi-access Edge Cloud Computing (MEC) company, makes mobile broadband faster, simpler, and more economical with smart NFV software solutions. With Saguna, mobile operators can monetize, optimize, and accelerate their mobile networks by bringing internet content and applications into the Radio Access Network (RAN) as close as possible to mobile users.

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