AWS Wavelength: Bringing Cloud Power to the 5G Edge
What is AWS Wavelength?
AWS Wavelength is an innovative infrastructure offering that brings AWS services to the edge of 5G networks, enabling developers to build applications with ultra-low latencies for mobile devices and end-users.By deploying standard AWS compute and storage services within telecommunications carriers' data centers, Wavelength allows for seamless integration of cloud capabilities with the power of 5G networks.
How AWS Wavelength Works
Wavelength operates by extending Amazon Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs) to include Wavelength Zones.These zones are AWS infrastructure deployments embedded within the communications service providers' (CSPs) data centers at the edge of the 5G network.This strategic placement allows application traffic to reach servers running in Wavelength Zones without leaving the telecommunications network, significantly reducing latency.
Key Components:
Wavelength Zones: These are logical extensions of AWS Regions, managed by the Region's control plane.
Carrier Gateways: These components enable inbound traffic from carrier networks and outbound traffic to both carrier networks and the internet.
VPC Integration: Wavelength Zones are integrated into your VPC, allowing for seamless connectivity with other AWS services.
Example Scenario
Let's consider a real-time augmented reality (AR) application for a smart city project:
The AR application is deployed on EC2 instances within a Wavelength Zone.
A user with a 5G-enabled device accesses the AR application.
The user's request is routed through the 5G network directly to the Wavelength Zone.
The application processes the request and sends back AR content with minimal latency.
If additional processing is needed, the application can seamlessly access other AWS services in the parent Region through the high-bandwidth connection between the Wavelength Zone and the Region.
This setup ensures that latency-sensitive operations occur close to the end-user, while still allowing access to the full suite of AWS services when needed.
Benefits of AWS Wavelength
Ultra-low Latency: By processing data closer to the end-user, Wavelength significantly reduces round-trip times.
Seamless AWS Integration: Developers can use familiar AWS services and tools, maintaining consistency with their existing cloud workflows.
Scalability: Applications can be easily deployed across multiple Wavelength Zones globally.
Cost-Effective: Utilizes pay-as-you-go pricing, aligning costs with actual usage.
Enhanced Security: Traffic remains within the carrier's network, reducing exposure to the public internet.
AWS Wavelength represents a significant step forward in edge computing, bridging the gap between cloud services and 5G networks. By enabling ultra-low latency applications, it opens up new possibilities for industries ranging from autonomous vehicles to remote healthcare and beyond
Understanding AWS Wavelength Architecture and Functionality
In the following example, AWS Wavelength integrates AWS compute and storage services within communication service providers' (CSPs) 5G networks, enabling developers to build applications that require ultra-low latency. This architecture brings AWS services closer to end-users and 5G devices, significantly reducing network hops and latency.
Key Components and Flow:
Region: The main AWS Region containing the VPC
VPC: Virtual Private Cloud spanning multiple availability zones and the Wavelength Zone
Availability Zones: Standard AWS zones (A and B) within the Region
Wavelength Zone: A special zone deployed within the CSP's data center
Carrier Gateway: Manages traffic between the Wavelength Zone and the CSP network
Subnets: Network segments within each zone, including the Wavelength Zone
Internet: General internet access from the Region
CSP Network: The 5G network infrastructure of the communications service provider
Flow of Data:
Applications in the Wavelength Zone can communicate directly with 5G devices through the Carrier Gateway.
Traffic between the Wavelength Zone and other parts of the VPC traverses the CSP's network.
Internet-bound traffic from the Wavelength Zone is routed through the Region.
Resources in the Wavelength Zone can access other AWS services in the parent Region.
AWS Wavelength allows developers to deploy parts of their applications that require ultra-low latency in the Wavelength Zones, while keeping the rest of the application in the AWS Region. This hybrid approach enables applications to benefit from both the low latency of edge computing and the full suite of AWS services available in the Region.
