Mobile-Edge Computing and the Internet of Things for Consumers: Extending cloud computing and services to the edge of the network

Current activities in the Internet of Things (IoT) are focused on architectures, protocols, and networking for the efficient interconnection of heterogeneous things, infrastructure deployment, and creation of value-added services. The majority of the IoT products, services, and platforms are supported by cloud-computing platforms. With the IoT being a multidisciplinary ecosystem, it is now being utilized in connection with scenarios demanding real-time data processing and feedback, for example, connected and autonomous vehicles scenarios. Cloud platforms are not suitable for scenarios involving real-time operation, low latency requirements, and high quality of service (QoS). Recently, mobile-edge computing (MEC) has gained momentum from the industry to address the mentioned requirements. MEC is a novel paradigm that extends cloud-computing capabilities and services to the edge of the network. Due to dense geographical distribution, proximity to consumers, support for high mobility, and open platform, MEC can support applications and services with reduced latency and improved QoS. Thus, MEC is becoming an important enabler of consumer-centric IoT applications and services that demand real-time operations. The OpenFog Consortium and standards development organizations like ETSI have also recognized the benefits the IoT and MEC can bring to consumers. Potential applications for MEC-enabled IoT include smart mobility, connected vehicles, emergency response, smart cities, content distribution, and location-based services.