Streaming at the Edge: Local Service Concepts Utilizing Mobile Edge Computing

Mobile Edge Computing is a novel concept where regular servers is placed within the LTE networks´ eNode-Bs. These servers allow to run third party services directly at the edge of the network, providing minimal latency to the user equipment while minimizing the use of packet core bandwidth. Conserving bandwidth has become increasingly important for the mobile network operators as the mobile traffic volumes have skyrocketed, and forecasts suggest that the volume growth will continue in the future as well. In this study, novel local streaming service concepts based on Mobile Edge Computing and their business models are proposed through explorative research, utilizing a relevant theoretical framework. Furthermore, future research for the concepts are suggested.