边缘云白皮书（英文版）_23页_1mb

AT&T Edge Cloud (AEC) - White Paper Summary

Core Content

This white paper outlines AT&T's vision and approach to Edge Cloud (AEC) as part of its Domain 2.0 (D2) initiative, emphasizing the integration of edge computing into its telecommunications infrastructure. It highlights the evolution of cloud computing, the rise of edge computing due to new technologies, and the strategic importance of edge clouds in supporting 5G, IoT, AR/VR, and autonomous vehicles.

Main Points

• Edge Computing Overview: Edge computing places processing and storage capabilities closer to the user, enabling real-time processing and reducing latency. It contrasts with centralized cloud computing and offers benefits such as reduced backhaul traffic, improved QoE, lower TCO, and enhanced network reliability.

• Cloud Computing Evolution: The shift to cloud computing has been driven by the need for flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency, leading to the rise of public cloud providers like Amazon and Google. This model has disrupted traditional IT infrastructures and enabled new business models.

• Content Delivery Networks (CDNs): CDNs have historically improved static content delivery by caching data closer to users. However, they are not suitable for dynamic content like AR/VR, requiring more advanced edge compute capabilities.

• AT&T Edge Cloud Architecture: AEC is an extension of AT&T's Integrated Cloud (AIC), leveraging network virtualization and software-defined networking (SDN). It supports a modular and open architecture, with ONAP as the orchestration platform, and Indigo providing data analytics.

• Edge Computing Drivers: Key drivers include reducing latency, improving QoE, decomposing access functions, and enhancing network resiliency. These factors necessitate a hybrid model combining edge and centralized clouds.

• Edge Location Tradeoffs: Edge placement requires balancing latency, cost, storage, and processing power. AEC uses scientific optimization methods to determine the best edge locations.

• Edge Computing Use Cases: Use cases are divided into Infrastructure (virtual network functions for wireline and wireless) and Services (applications enabled by edge and data center clouds). It also supports machine learning, real-time analytics, and immersive customer experiences.

• Coexistence of Centralized and Edge Clouds: Both centralized and edge clouds are necessary. Data that requires high processing power or long-term storage should remain in centralized clouds, while latency-sensitive data should be processed at the edge.

• Key Requirements for Edge Clouds: These include modular infrastructure, cloud-native applications, automation, zero-touch provisioning, and support for both VMs and containers. The edge architecture must be flexible, secure, and cost-effective, accommodating various peripheral types.

• Cloud Native Computing: This approach enables container-based network functions to scale efficiently. It emphasizes containerization, microservices, and lightweight control planes to improve agility, security, and operational efficiency.

• Orchestration & Management: ECOMP and ONAP are central to managing edge and centralized cloud environments. These platforms support automated scaling, orchestration, and policy management, ensuring seamless service delivery.

Key Information

• Edge Cloud Benefits:

  • Reduces backhaul traffic
  • Maintains QoE through reduced latency
  • Lowers TCO by decentralizing compute and storage
  • Enhances network reliability
  • Supports third-party cloud providers

• AEC's Role:

  • AEC is part of AT&T's Domain 2.0 Virtual Access (D2vA) initiative
  • It supports multiple access types (wireline, wireless)
  • It enables flexible deployment across central offices, public buildings, and customer premises

• Technologies & Standards:

  • ONAP, OpenStack, CNCF, ETSI MEC, and others are contributing to the edge computing ecosystem
  • AEC leverages open source and standardized solutions to ensure interoperability and scalability

• Future Opportunities:

  • AEC creates new business opportunities for third-party cloud providers
  • It supports next-generation applications like AR/VR, IoT, and autonomous vehicles
  • A consortium proposal is suggested to drive global commonality and collaboration

Conclusion

AT&T is positioning itself as a leader in the edge computing space by integrating cloud-native principles, open source technologies, and modular infrastructure into its AEC model. This approach aims to enhance network performance, reduce costs, and support emerging applications while maintaining a hybrid model that ensures seamless coexistence with centralized clouds. The paper emphasizes the need for industry-wide collaboration, standardization, and innovation to realize the full potential of edge computing.