What is MEC?
MEC (Multi-Access Edge Computing), standardised by ETSI, brings cloud computing resources — compute, storage, and network functions — to the edge of the mobile network, co-located with or near the base station. By drastically reducing the physical distance between applications and users, MEC eliminates backhaul-induced latency and enables a new class of real-time applications.
How Does MEC Work?
In 5G, MEC is enabled by CUPS: the UPF (User Plane Function) is instantiated at the network edge (using ULCL — Uplink Classifier — or Local Breakout), routing selected traffic to MEC host application servers before it reaches the central core. MEC hosts run application logic (video analytics, AI inference, game rendering) at the edge node.
Use Cases
Real-time video analytics for surveillance and retail, cloud gaming and AR/VR rendering, V2X (vehicle-to-everything) for autonomous driving, remote control of industrial robots, content caching and CDN.
3GPP / Standards Reference
ETSI GS MEC 003 (MEC Framework and Reference Architecture), 3GPP TS 23.501 (LADN and ULCL for edge)
Related Terms
CUPS | UPF | uRLLC | Latency | V2X | Private 5G
Learn More
This glossary entry is part of the 5GWorldPro Complete 5G Glossary. To go deeper into 5G architecture and technology, explore our 5G Training courses.
