19/09/2019

Edge computing, which is generated from the rapid development of internet of things and big data, refers to analysing and processing data near the edge of its source, allowing for minimum delay and privacy security. The edge computing industry consists of relevant research institutions, chip manufacturers and equipment manufacturers, and because of its rapid development, it is necessary to carry out standardization work.

In July 2019, the Standardization Administration of China (SAC) approved the development and revision plan for the national standard Information Technology-Edge Computing-Part1: General Requirements, which is the first national standard for edge computing in China. It is a CESI-led standard which sets the general requirements and framework of edge computing deployed in IoT networks, platforms and terminal devices.

Apart from CESI, CCSA is now the main force behind standardization for edge computing in China, with its work mainly in CCSA/TC5 (wireless communication)/WG12 (mobile communication core network) and CCSA/ST8 (Industrial network)/WG2 (network connection). Their ongoing industry standard projects include:

  • Industrial Internet Edge Computing—Requirements for Edge Node Management Interface
  • Industrial Internet Edge Computing—Model and Requirements for Edge Code
  • Industrial Internet Edge Computing—Demand
  • Industrial Internet Edge Computing—General Framework and Requirements
  • Overall Technical Specifications for LTE Network-based Edge Computing
  • Overall Demand and Framework for Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) services for LTE-V2X

At the international level, IoT Requirements for Edge Computing, the international standard project initiated by China, is under development in ITU-T SG20 (IoT and Smart City Research Team of International Telecommunication Union). It is ITU-T’s first standard project for edge computing in the IoT field.

Although the standardization of edge computing in China is still in its infancy, it will witness a rapid development in the near future. Edge computing has already been considered as an important part in many standard systems according to governmental documents like Guidelines for the Construction of Industrial Internet Comprehensive Standard System and Guidelines for the Construction of National Smart Manufacturing Standard System, which means more edge computing standards are being or will be laid down. The rapid development of 5G, internet of vehicles, internet of things, industrial internet, smart manufacturing and other industrial applications also need the support of edge computing standards. In this process, European stakeholders should take an active role and contribute to it.