The network computing chain faces a changing reality over the coming years. According to the latest version of the Ericsson Mobility Report, a surge in consumer device capabilities and data-intensive content will see global data traffic rise fourfold by 2025. Industries, entering the fray for the first time, will place ultra-low-latency and high-privacy demands on the network through time-critical and massive-data use cases such as autonomous transport, remote robotics, smart factories and cross reality.
In all of these cases, the place at which the data is processed whether it be in a centralized data center or at the edge of cloud will have an immense impact on both latency and how the massive amounts of data are managed. Not only do these factors impact enterprise and network efficiency, but they will soon be critical in safeguarding human life.
For Azimeh Sefidcon, Ericsson's Research Director for Cloud Systems and Platforms, that's why edge computing represents a critical technological step forward, not only for 5G, but also 6G and beyond: The new demands of today's industrial use cases have led us into this new paradigm of computing. Edge computing allows us to reduce latency, while also providing improved flexibility, privacy and efficiency in managing the network.
Future use cases such as the Internet of Senses and autonomous transport systems provide examples as to why edge computing and a fully-integrated network computing chain will be so critical moving forward.
For use cases which demand ultra-low latency and the high data privacy, such as manufacturing, autonomous vehicles and haptic response, only computing which is embedded within the network can provide the necessary real-time translation and processing of the data, Azimeh says. It also enables the enterprise to keep the data in-house which increases data protection.
The move to edge is also part of a broader evolution of 5G toward more niche, tailormade business models. As the network platform moves deeper into industries, service providers have an opportunity to tailor a service model unique to the enterprise profile, use case and vertical being addressed. Ericsson solutions including NFVi, Edge Gravity, Dynamic Orchestration and network slicing provide opportunities to tailor such models and be first to tomorrow's business.
We have overcome the technical challenges. What now makes this area interesting is the many different variants of business model that are possible, Azimeh says. The question is, which role does each provider want to play in this value chain? And which partnerships will they choose to make that happen?
The cloud ecosystem
A challenge which exists in today's cloud ecosystem is that it is fragmented. Closing this computing gap from data center to device will depend on the collaboration of network service providers and cloud ecosystem actors, such as hyperscale cloud providers, operational technology companies and system integrators.
A similar collaboration is already evident with today's LTE use cases. We can make a phone call or access a server on the other side of the world and barely notice how it travels through so many different networks.
As use cases become increasingly time-critical and demand increased privacy, this global connected network fabric must evolve such that it provides seamless support for applications. The introduction of cloud native design in telecom is the first fundamental step to achieving this.
To close this gap and, importantly, maximize the value for service providers, Ericsson is already engaging other partners and players in the field.
For more than ten years, we have been working hard to bring these pieces together, Azimeh says. When it comes to developing research for use cases, we never develop something in isolation. Instead, we really engage with the industry so that what we develop a solution that has longevity and value.
Beyond the edge?
Azimeh believes that we are ultimately moving toward something much more integrated which she refers to as the network compute fabric. This form of computing, taking place within the fabric of the network, could not only satisfy latency demands but also the computing that is needed to play as the execution environment for the application.
It offers benefits from the perspective of both the user and app developer, Azimeh says. It would allow us to deploy applications in one environment and having it portable to any other environment without the need for developers to adapt the application. If, for example, the processing power or data storage in an autonomous car reaches its limit, there will be no need for a change in the application as that processing can seamlessly happen in the network.
No matter the use cases of the future, it's clear that the world of today and tomorrow belongs firmly to the edge of the network. Distributed cloud computing is paving the way for the future of network communications and, rather than waiting for 5G, service providers should already be looking to build tomorrows business models today.
Explore the latest trends and insights within edge computing and the industrial cloud.
Find out more about Ericsson's use cases and solutions across the distributed cloud.
Europe Stories
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
04/08/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...
04/07/2026
April 7 2026, 19:00 (PDT) Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway Opens in...
01/06/2026
January 6 2026, 05:30 (PST) Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026
Throughout the week, Dolby brings to life the latest innovatio...
02/05/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...
01/05/2026
January 5 2026, 18:30 (PST) NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to ...
15/04/2026
Two Cities Television and Keeper Pictures to produce six-part series in association with Screen Ireland for RT and ITV Studios
RT has commissioned Two Citie...
15/04/2026
RT 100
RT unveils The Signal' a specially commissioned 60-second film
...
14/04/2026
ToolsOnAir and Omnistream Bring Mobile SRT Contribution into Professional 24/7 P...
14/04/2026
Captures a trio of renowned polysynths
The latest software to join AIR Music Tech's extensive catalogue captures the sound of three sought-after polysyn...
14/04/2026
Free offering includes 10 powerful plug-ins
United Plugins have announced the launch of a new bundle that brings together 10 of their pro-audio plug-ins, an...
14/04/2026
Julian Coryell joins virtual session player line-up
Announced at NAMM 2026, Celemony's Tonalic kits DAW users out with real performances by world-class ...
14/04/2026
X-Rite Pantone Color Academy Grand Opening in Shanghai
On March 27, 2026, X-Rite Pantone, the global authority in color standards and color science, held the...
14/04/2026
14 Apr 2026
VEON and JazzWorld Receive Competition Commission of Pakistan Appro...
14/04/2026
Tuesday 14 April 2026
Nicola Coughlan and Aimee Lou Wood to host next two episo...
14/04/2026
Lead writer and executive producer Jack Lothian joins alongside lead director Je...
14/04/2026
Wuppertal April 14, 2026
Thomas Riedel Acquires Premium Manufacturer ARRIStrategic Alignment With the Riedel Group for Innovation and Growth
Thomas Riedel, f...
14/04/2026
New Service Simplifies Integration of AI Applications with Exceptional Reliabili...
14/04/2026
Luxembourg, April 14, 2026 - SES, a leading space solutions company, today annou...
13/04/2026
ToolsOnAir Composition Builder 2026 Boilerplate
More Details: The Composition Builder 2026 application for macOS enables TV stations and Live Event broadcast...
13/04/2026
ToolsOnAr just:live pro 2026 Boilerplate
More Details: just:live pro 2026 is a Multi-Channel Live Production Playout solution for video and static or real-ti...
13/04/2026
ToolsOnAr just:play pro 2026 Boilerplate
More Details: just:play pro 2026 is a Multi-Channel automated 24/7 Master Control playout solution with SD, HD and U...
13/04/2026
ToolsOnAr live:cut 2026 Boilerplate
More Details: live:cut is an option to just:in mac pro 2025 and enables multicamera production workflows for up to 16 cam...
13/04/2026
ToolsOnAir Just In Mac Lite NDI 2026 Boilerplate
More Details: The Just In Mac Lite NDI application is a streamlined media capture solution designed specific...
13/04/2026
ToolsOnAir Just In Mac Lite 2026 Boilerplate
More Details: The Just In Mac Lite application is a streamlined media capture solution designed specifically for...
13/04/2026
ToolsOnAir just:in mac pro 2026 Boilerplate
More Details: just:in mac pro is a macOS-based client-server multichannel capture solution to record SDI, HDMI, N...
13/04/2026
Intuitive EQ plug-in gets an upgrade
Following its official launch back in February 2026, Musik Hack's intuitive EQ plug-in has been treated to its firs...
13/04/2026
Flagship soft synth collection expanded
The latest version of UVI's flagship vintage-inspired soft synth collection has just arrived, expanding the suit...
13/04/2026
Free version of innovative string library arrives
Released in October 2025, Lux Orchestral Strings was said to be Sonuscore's most ambitious library to ...
13/04/2026
The Girls' Research Camp is part of the Technology - Future in Bavaria edu...
13/04/2026
Rohde & Schwarz transforms submarine communications for real time underwater dom...
13/04/2026
Rohde & Schwarz enables Pulsar signal simulation to support next-generation navi...
13/04/2026
The search for Ireland's newest country music star is live on Friday 17 Apri...
13/04/2026
Monday 13 April 2026
Global environmental action NGO WRAP brings recycling to l...
13/04/2026
J nger Audio has joined the EBU ADM Implementers Group (ADM-IG) as a founding me...
13/04/2026
FOX Latin America Announces The Launch Of The FOX Channel In Central America And...
13/04/2026
No amps, no safety net The biggest challenge was the music itself. Everything in the film is acoustic and unamplified. The theme itself is kind of hard to expl...
13/04/2026
RT Radio 1 has today launched a significant step in its ongoing strategic evolution. Following the launch of its brand-new schedule late last year, RT Radio 1...
13/04/2026
The Late Late Show Opening Act, the search for Ireland's newest country musi...
13/04/2026
RT has today announced the appointment of Annemarie Britz to the position of Chief Financial Officer, RT following a public competition.
Annemarie Britz is c...
12/04/2026
Headphone system designed for immersive monitoring
With the demand for immersive audio showing no signs of slowing down, lots of companies are turning their...
11/04/2026
Engineer collective welcome Freddy Knop
Infrasonic, an award-winning collective of audio engineers operating out of Nashville and Los Angeles with credits r...
10/04/2026
After launching the Spotify Podcast Awards in Mexico last year, we brought the fan-voted celebration to Paris this week for its first edition in France. Hosted ...
10/04/2026
Powered and unpowered live PA ranges upgraded
Yamaha have just refreshed four of their hugely popular PA speaker ranges, delivering significant improvements...
10/04/2026
Underlying plug-in & VI technology now available to others
UJAM's latest announcement sees the company open up' Gorilla Engine, the development pla...
10/04/2026
Luxembourg, April 10, 2026 - SES, a leading space solutions company, announces that it has entrusted BNP Paribas with the implementation of a liquidity agreemen...
10/04/2026
What can I watch on UKTV and stream on U this week?
This week on UKTV and the free streaming service U, viewers can watch a range of new and returning programm...
10/04/2026
Five-part Sky Original drama airs nightly on Sky Mix and Sky Atlantic from 20 Ap...
09/04/2026
Staines-upon-Thames, UK, 09, April, 2026 - Yospace, the trusted leader in Dynam...
The network computing chain faces a changing reality over the coming years. According to the latest version of the Ericsson Mobility Report, a surge in consumer device capabilities and data-intensive content will see global data traffic rise fourfold by 2025. Industries, entering the fray for the first time, will place ultra-low-latency and high-privacy demands on the network through time-critical and massive-data use cases such as autonomous transport, remote robotics, smart factories and cross reality.
