Nokia on Tuesday said it recently teamed up with the University of Notre Dame’s Wireless Institute to size up Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) in the delivery of video and augmented reality experiences in high-density venues.
According to the Finnish company, the tests successfully utilized a software-based MEC platform in Notre Dame’s Compton Ice Arena to fulfill services in two use cases: Edge Video Orchestration, which allows users to view four video streams from different angles in real time; and an AR-based gaming experience. The trials were run over Nokia’s MEC platform and AirFrame server.
The experiments also reportedly tested the MEC applications with a feature enabling connectivity to multiple radios, optimizing data flow through WiFi and cellular networks. Used alongside Nokia’s Flexi Zone small cell base stations and AirScale WiFi access points, the company said the technology can “significantly improve” data throughput in venues like stadiums, where a large number of mobile users are trying to access the network at the same time.
“Mobile Edge Computing is ideal for enabling low-latency applications tailored to specific enterprise needs such as those of the University of Notre Dame,” Nokia’s Global Alliance Director Joe Hammer commented. “By deploying applications at the network edge, rich, engaging content is brought closer to consumers, application response times are reduced while reliability is increased – all of these benefits offer a truly excellent user experience.”
Hammer added that Nokia, working with strategic partners like IBM to deliver cognitive analytics, will be able to leverage MEC to yield information on customer preferences and behaviors. This, he said, will enable “exciting new marketing opportunities” in digital advertising, customized services, and enhanced user experiences for venues, smart cities, and retailers.
Hammer’s latter comments come on the heels of Nokia’s introduction of its new Cognitive Analytics for Crowd Insight solution, which allows operators to share detailed user insights gleaned from their networks with third parties. More on that here.
Filed Under: Infrastructure