The ETSI Multi-access Edge Computing Industry Specification Group (MEC ISG) released its first package of standardized application programming interfaces (APIs) that will support MEC interoperability.

The five ETSI specifications — GS MEC 009, GS MEC 010-2, GS MEC 011, GS MEC 012, and GS MEC 013 — cover topics like application lifecycle management, mobile edge platform application enablement, radio network information, and location.

ETSI said the MEC application enablement is a generic framework intended to open the network and expose information for authorized third-party applications. By having a standardized system, developers are ensured of interoperability for their applications as well as consistency with the operator’s system. This, in turn, accelerates the development of third-party apps.

The APIs are based upon a generic set of design principles and patterns, however, ETSI noted that the TM Forum and Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) contributed to the process.

MEC’s Growing Awareness

MEC is viewed as a key element of 5G and is an emerging standard that extends the virtualized infrastructure into the radio access network (RAN). ETSI created the MEC ISG last January, and there are more than 80 companies involved in the working group.

Operators also are beginning to trial different uses of MEC. China Mobile Beijing, for example, is piloting a smart stadium initiative at the Beijing South Railway Station that will use MEC.

Specifically, the operator is using Huawei’s MEC@CloudEdge to integrate video content into an edge gateway. China Mobile customers that are at the stadium can watch the content by scanning a QR code and subscribing to a video package.

Because the video is handled at the network edge, there is lower latency and a low freeze rate, according to China Mobile. It also means that China Mobile users will have access to content that is exclusive to the stadium.

The operator envisions being able to eventually use MEC to offer advanced services such as virtual reality and augmented reality games that will need higher bandwidth and computing power.