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 ...
06/09/2026
June 9 2026, 23:00 (PDT) Dolby and MagentaTV Bring Fans Closer to the FIFA Worl...
04/08/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...
08/07/2026
Latest analogue-emulation plug-ins revealed
Universal Audio have just added two new analogue-emulation plug-ins to their DSP-powered UAD line-up. Developed ...
08/07/2026
Turn any audio loop into a playable kit
Pitch Innovations have recently introduced an interesting new tool that's capable of creating playable kits from...
08/07/2026
Adds new keyboard-split function
MonkeyC have recently launched an update that overhauls their powerful software sampler. Described as the sampler that mad...
08/07/2026
Four new delay algorithms & dual-engine functionality
Strymon have just announced that the much-anticipated MX version of their hugely popular delay pedal i...
08/07/2026
Rohde & Schwarz and China Mobile Research Institute jointly demonstrate generati...
08/07/2026
Film follows the courageous fight for justice by survivors of Ireland's Magdalene Laundries & Mother and Baby Homes
TESTIMONY airs Wednesday 22 July at 9...
07/07/2026
Applications are now open for the Validation Booster, a six-month acceleration programme supporting journalists, media organisations, content creators, media in...
07/07/2026
New mixer aimed squarely at instrument-level sources
Heritage Audio have clearly been busy recently, as alongside their all-new Tubestrip, they've also ...
07/07/2026
New channel strip combines popular hardware designs
The latest arrival to the Heritage Audio line-up brings together a selection of their praised hardware d...
07/07/2026
eds3_5_jq(document).ready(function($) { $(#eds_sliderM519).chameleonSlider_2_1({ content_source:......
07/07/2026
UKTV commission with BritBox and Sony Pictures Television and inspired by Deborah Cadbury's book, Chocolate Wars
The six-part series is produced by Fable P...
07/07/2026
Tuesday 7 July 2026
Record audiences tune into the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 on Sky Sports
The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 was the most watche...
07/07/2026
Tuesday 7 July 2026
Official trailer released for Fightland, a revenge drama fr...
07/07/2026
Wuppertal July 7, 2026
Riedel and ARRI Bring Cinematic Live Production to the Eurovision Song ContestRiedel Communications and ARRI played a key role in one o...
07/07/2026
To Whom It Concerns RT today confirmed that Patrick Kielty is to extend his contract as host of The Late Late Show.
Last season, the world's longest-runn...
06/07/2026
Bundle gains 100 new synths & more
Synth Anthology 5 the largest and most feature-packed edition of UVI's hardware synth emulation bundle, bringing toge...
06/07/2026
Available now via free firmware update
MOTU have just announced that three of their popular audio interfaces now boast official Milan Certification. The 16A...
06/07/2026
Rohde & Schwarz completes Hunter Preliminary Design Review for the Integrated Co...
06/07/2026
The R&S IMAGER from Rohde & Schwarz uses millimeter wave imaging to inspect the ...
06/07/2026
Monday 6 July 2026
Sky Kids unveils new slate for 2026 including Paris Hilton&#...
06/07/2026
Monday 6 July 2026
Sky agrees to acquire ITV Media & Entertainment, creating a ...
06/07/2026
Fresh from his World Cup heroics with Cabo Verde, Roberto Pico' Lopes will join the RT panel for Argentina v Egypt tomorrow and for the England v Norway q...
06/07/2026
A death can be unsuspicious, but it has to be explained
What happened to Ke...
05/07/2026
Browser-based and desktop apps available
Digital Sunset Studios have been busy working on an interesting project: a free software tool that provides compute...
04/07/2026
Celebrates company's 80th anniversary
Rhodes have recently revealed that they will be producing a limited run of electric pianos in celebration of their...
04/07/2026
** MEDIA ALERT **
BLEACH: THOUSAND-YEAR BLOOD WAR THE CALAMITY Continues I...
04/07/2026
** MEDIA ALERT **
VIZ Media Unveils New Anime Slate at Anime Expo 2026 with ...
04/07/2026
April 7 2026, 19:00 (PDT) Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway Opens in...
03/07/2026
New bundle & three Single Packs
Continuing to expand their already sizeable orchestral collection, VSL's latest release introduces three new Single Pack...
03/07/2026
Venue installs new ATC-equipped control room
LSO St Luke's, a unique music venue that also serves as the home of the London Symphony Orchestra, have rec...
03/07/2026
1 February 2023
SHARE Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email
Munich, Germany, 1st February 2023: Cinegy GmbH, the premier provider of software technology for digit...
03/07/2026
** MEDIA ALERT **
VIZ Media Celebrates Anime Expo 2026 with BLACK TORCH Worl...
02/07/2026
Stammering, stuttering, strangulated tones
The Crow Hill Company's latest creation promises to be the most original sound set they've produced to d...
02/07/2026
A new era in unmixing and spectral editing
The latest version of Steinberg's spectral audio-editing software has just arrived, building on the strength...
02/07/2026
Aims to simplify additive synthesis
Sine Machine is the debut launch from Melatonin, a Vienna-based developer who have spent the past six years creating wha...
02/07/2026
Products to remain fully active & supported
Following the news of Native Instruments joining the inMusic brand line-up, Academy and Emmy Award-winning visua...
02/07/2026
What you missed!
Last weekend, Saturday 27 June 2026, saw the debut of Sound On Sounds new GearExpo UK event, the largest dedicated pro-audio event to take ...
02/07/2026
Thursday 2 July 2026
Tea with Judi Dench returns to Sky Arts with legendary guest, Sir Ian McKellen
Sky today confirms Tea with Judi Dench will return this su...
01/07/2026
New AI Assistant, Multi-channel Audio, ARA2 improvements & more
Tracktion's DAW software has just received its latest major update, gaining a selection ...
01/07/2026
Stammering, stuttering, strangulated tones
The Crow Hill Company's latest creation promises to be the most original sound set they've produced to d...
01/07/2026
Exclusive run of limited-edition modelling pedals
Sweetwater and Andertons M...
01/07/2026
Matt started engineering and mixing in studios. Twelve years later, a good friend, front of house engineer Shane Haase, took him out on tour as system engineer ...
01/07/2026
Our SD10T was an absolutely rock-solid, stable console and the Quantum 338T has been the perfect upgrade, Hurley says. Having multiple screens is a big advant...
01/07/2026
LEXINGTON, Kentucky - July 2026 -Tyler Childers' seventh and latest studio record, Snipe Hunter, is an adventurously sprawling collection of tunes that span...
01/07/2026
** MEDIA ALERT **
BLEACH Comes to Life in Los Angeles with First-of-Its-Kind...
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.
