Edge computing will be a hot topic during IBC 2018

As 5G networks inch closer to reality and next-generation video technology like VR and 8K threaten to stretch the limits of streaming, edge computing will become a hot topic.

During the annual IBC Show in Amsterdam next month, mobile edge computing will gain more relevance as cloud video and services look to get closer to end-users. And ORI CEO Mahdi Yahya thinks it will open up relationships between telcos, broadcasters and video service providers.

“Adopting a similar model to public cloud providers, telcos will be debating how they can increase network access and find new monetization opportunities. They can open up their network edge assets to service developers, which includes everyone from streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime, to traditional broadcasters like the BBC. Developers can make the best use of available network capacity and resources to deliver live and on-demand content at a national level, or even at specific locations,” Yahya said.

Yahya said that mobile edge computing can provide better access to the bandwidth and compute power that distributors need to overcome obstacles like network traffic congestion that can negatively affect quality of experience for streaming viewers during huge live events like the World Cup.

“In addition, by leveraging available resources and caching data at the network edge (much closer to the consumers than current cloud offerings), developers can support a range of new business models, such as the delivery of 8K content or streaming services that incorporate AR and VR. At a defining time for a growing ecosystem, IBC will provide the perfect backdrop to discuss these new industry developments,” Yahya said.

Within IBC’s Content Everywhere Hub, a Friday panel featuring nScreenMedia analyst Colin Dixon and executives from Muvi and Smart Mobile Labs will go in-depth on how 5G and edge computing can combine to smooth out latency and capacity issues that could arise around content distribution and consumption of data-hungry media formats such as 360 video, VR and 4K.

Smart Mobile Labs is undoubtedly on the panel because of its Edge Video Orchestrator technology, which promises 1-millisecond latency for internet TV transport and broadcast, along with IP broadcast applications for large venues, connected cars and public safety networks.

Akamai Technologies, which will be onsite during IBC, is betting on edge computing becoming more necessary as video traffic continues to rise. Akamai Tom Leighton recently told CNBC’s “Squawk Box” that edge computing is basically an extension of what the cloud can currently offer and may provide more security.

“[Edge computing] is what you need to interact with to get your video, to do your transaction quickly and to do things securely. We’re in a situation today where these large entities have co-opted a lot of devices out there and they can flood the core with traffic. It’s so bad today you can actually flood countries,” Leighton said.