Multi-Access Edge Computing, a cloud-based IT service environment is a network architecture that facilitates real-time, high-bandwidth, low-latency access to radio network information. It allows operators to open their networks to a new ecosystem and value chain. MEC is generally regarded as a significant milepost along the road to 5G. 

However, some believe it is an unnecessary detour that whilst interesting to consider, passing through will, in the long run, leave those travellers lagging behind the leaders. Then there's NFVI, an architecture made up of various major components - including virtualised network functions (VNFs), NFV management and orchestration (MANO), and NFV Infrastructure (NFVI) -  that work with traditional network components like OSS and BSS. 

The Intel Network Builders Ecosystem is very important in accelerating the deployment of MEC.

Filmed at 5G World 2018, London, UK