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4.3.1 MEC for third-party cloud service providers

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MEC services are typically envisaged as being offered and supplied by Mobile Network Operators. However, a MEC service can also be offered by the third parties. For instance, third party cloud service providers are entities offering MEC application hosting services and resources, while not being traditional network operators. Examples of such third-party providers willing to deploy edge cloud resources include: venue and facility owners or management companies, cell tower owners and neutral host vendors and vehicle fleet management companies (railway, automotive, etc.). Due to operational complexity, costs, or simply difficulty in deploying MEC in hard to reach areas (for example, due to real estate scarcity), MNOs may buy edge cloud services from such third-party providers to supplement their networks. Typically, MNOs are not involved in day to day management and operation of these third-party edge clouds.

The following diagram shows an example of how a third-party cloud service provider could leverage 5G network functions in harmony with the MEC architecture to provide an edge computing service.

Figure 8. Third-party cloud for MEC in 5G network environment.

The 5G network provides a clear path to enable third party cloud service providers. The Network Exposure Function (NEF) may be used as the entry point in the 5G network for authorized third parties. Using this function, they may configure how appropriate application traffic in the user plane is directed towards MEC applications in Local Data Network (LDN). Also, the NEF may be used for exposing network information such as mobility, radio resource information, etc. to the MEC system. To summarize, the NEF can handle control plane functions for third-party service providers to manage MEC operation. Network information exposed by the NEF is consumed by MEC services and can be exposed to MEC applications. This allows a clear separation between the MNO and the third-party service provider.

User plane traffic is directed towards MEC applications by proper placement and configuration of UPF functions. Authorized third-party cloud service providers can influence the placement and configuration of UPF by using the control interface exposed through NEF.