To enable private, low latency applications tailored to specific enterprise needs
Nokia is to extend its application of mobile edge computing (MEC) so enterprises can take advantage of applications using low latency, business-critical mobile broadband networks to satisfy all their communications needs, enhance operations and reduce costs.
Its MEC platform will extend the possibilities of the connected world to many enterprises such as warehouses, factories, transportation hubs, campuses and hospitals, connecting personnel and automating workflows, said Nokia.
The company is launching three enterprise-specific MEC applications: object tracking to allow the tracking of assets and personnel to centimetre-level accuracy. The tagging and tracking of baggage carts in airports, wheelchairs and expensive medical equipment in hospitals and assets in warehouses, will maintain constant visibility, reducing theft and security risks; video surveillance extended from the operations room to mobile devices, allowing security personnel to access any feed reliably at any time, wherever they are; and video analytics, using MEC to analyse data feeds from security cameras, alerting staff to investigate irregular activity immediately.
Nokia will provide an AppFactory environment for the creation of applications to meet the specific needs of enterprises and will support the integration of existing enterprise applications to the MEC environment.
To allow enterprises to take advantage of these applications and reduce the time and costs of maintaining legacy platforms, Nokia will provide connectivity to robust, dedicated, low latency, networks using MEC to process data closer to end users, in conjunction with any combination of small cells and macro base stations.
The company will initially enable connectivity over existing licensed LTE spectrum, working together with operators to transform portions of their 4G networks into discrete private LTE networks as well as over Wi-Fi networks via its Wi-Fi Controller as a Service offer. In a future development Nokia will use LTE in the unlicensed spectrum using its MulteFire technology.
Christian Renaud, research director, 451 Research, commented: “Nokia has created an entirely new customer market with this offer. By enabling robust local enterprise applications across secure mobile networks, Nokia will equip enterprises with a new level of accuracy and transparency in their operations, while at the same time enabling cost and operational efficiencies.”
Dirk Lindemeier, head of MEC and Wi-Fi products at Nokia, said: “MEC allows enterprises to take advantage of the latest generation LTE technology, in particular small cells, and real time applications for building complete campus networks. These networks meet the demanding privacy, resilience, and latency requirements set by business-critical applications, extending LTE to new domains.”
