The Power of Edge Computing Meets 5G Connectivity in Azure Edge Zones with AT&T

The strategic partnership between Microsoft and AT&T is bringing edge computing capabilities to low latency 5G networks in select metropolitan areas.

During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many people experienced the joy and the misery of online communities. In the early months of 2020, most people made the rapid and uncertain transition to a virtual everyday life. Beyond working from home, many people chose to participate in the virtual events that popped up to keep themselves entertained from the safety of their homes. This included everything from online concerts to television and movie cast reunions to simple virtual gatherings with friends. What soon became apparent is that the quality of a Wi-Fi connection and network can drastically change the delivery of such events. For example, delays and glitches can ruin the natural flow of conversation or a band’s ability to play in sync. Thankfully, the power of edge computing with 5G connectivity is beginning to transform our ability to interact with each other and the Internet of Things (IoT).

An overview of Azure Edge Zones with AT&T combining edge computing with 5G connectivity. (Image courtesy of Microsoft.)

An overview of Azure Edge Zones with AT&T combining edge computing with 5G connectivity. (Image courtesy of Microsoft.)

Through a strategic partnership between Microsoft and AT&T, Azure Edge Zones with AT&T brings the infrastructure of Azure cloud services to the edge of AT&T 5G networks in select metropolitan areas. As a result, low latency, high-security applications can be developed and deployed in diverse areas, such as video analytics, remote health care, manufacturing, smart vehicle technology and gaming. This expands the two companies’ strategic partnership following their announcement that AT&T would move its 5G mobile network to the Microsoft Cloud. The ongoing goal is to manage AT&T mobile networks using technologies available through the Microsoft Azure platform.

“The power of 5G is about more than just speed. It’s about harnessing ultra-fast and ultra-responsive connectivity to distributed cloud technology for entirely new experiences. As compute expands beyond centralized systems and out to the edge of the 5G network, companies and consumers now essentially have supercomputer capabilities in the air around them. From lightweight virtual reality interfaces that can be used by anyone from gamers to first responders, to hyper-precise location tools for industrial applications and warehousing, the edge is transformative. Our deep collaboration with Microsoft is designed to help customers make that leap and start creating the future,” said Andre Fuetsch, chief technology officer of AT&T Network Services.

AT&T Mobile Network to Be Managed by Microsoft Azure

Earlier in 2021, AT&T announced its plans to move its 5G network to the Microsoft Cloud. Azure will now manage all mobile network traffic for AT&T and help the company take advantage of the platform’s edge computing capabilities. The transition began by moving the 5G core software to the cloud and will now bring future networks within Azure for Operators. Microsoft is already leading software development and deployment of AT&T’s Network Cloud, and over the next three years, the company’s existing network cloud will be brought within Azure.

With a shift to cloud-based operations, mobile companies like AT&T can reduce the costs associated with hardware and research development. Edge computing can also enable increased automation and data analytics as well as real-time responses to network issues. Plus, cloud-driven AI will support increased innovation and help deliver new services and applications to consumers. It’s one of the many ways that network companies are looking to stand out while realizing the potential of 5G connectivity.

“AT&T has one of the world’s most powerful global backbone networks serving hundreds of millions of subscribers. Our Network Cloud team has proved that running a network in the cloud drives speed, security, cost improvements and innovation. Microsoft’s decision to acquire these assets is a testament to AT&T’s leadership in network virtualization, culture of innovation, and realization of a telco-grade cloud stack,” said Fuetsch. “The next step is making this capability accessible to operators around the world and ensuring it has the resources behind it to continue to evolve and improve. And do it securely. Microsoft’s cloud expertise and global reach make them the perfect fit for this next phase.”

Innovation Made Easy Thanks to Azure Edge Zones with AT&T

With edge computing, companies are not restricted by physical connections to CPUs to run applications. Instead, applications can be deployed in the cloud to accelerate innovation.

Microsoft has introduced three edge services: Edge Zones, Private Edge Zones, and Edge Zones With Carrier, including Edge Zones with AT&T. Although edge zones do not offer all Azure services, they provide basic containers, virtual machines (VMs) and networking.

Edge zones will be optimized for ultralow latency applications such as mobile gaming, drone monitoring, smart city development and real-time data analytics.

Currently, a developer can choose a location to run their Azure-based application in one of 60 regions. Azure Edge Zones create hyper-local regions for developers to deploy applications that deliver ultrafast, low latency experiences. Because the zones are an extension of Azure, developers can use the same API and third-party tools to develop applications for hyper-local regions. With 5G connectivity, the edge zones with AT&T deliver sub-10 millisecond latency to applications on mobile devices in the local region.

When it comes to edge zones, companies can deploy VMs within the Azure portal to take advantage of AT&T’s 5G network in select metropolitan areas. While creating a VM, a company simply needs to select the “Azure Edge Zones with AT&T” option to identify the specific edge zone of interest.

In the portal, the “Essentials” view enables an engineer to monitor their VM, enable additional capabilities, review metrics, and view any recommendations. Applications deployed through Azure will include connectivity to the AT&T mobile network and access to a dedicated, optimized 5G network in edge site locations.

Azure services are accessible for applications in edge zones connected to AT&T’s 5G network. (Image courtesy of Microsoft.)

Azure services are accessible for applications in edge zones connected to AT&T’s 5G network. (Image courtesy of Microsoft.)

The goal is to accelerate innovation in areas that will require ultralow latency applications. As the number of connected devices increase, networks can become overwhelmed and both 5G and edge computing can help combat this to deliver seamless mobile service.

Azure Edge Zones with AT&T Are Already Transforming Industries

Edge computing and 5G connectivity are already shaping many of our everyday experiences, and there are plans for both to continue expanding over the next few years. Soon, 5G will be used to improve almost every aspect of our digital lives and help usher in the era of Industry 4.0.

For example, AT&T recently partnered with GM to bring its 5G connectivity—powered by Microsoft Azure—to consumer vehicles. The increased connectivity will improve coverage across U.S. roadways, increase the speed and quality of music and movie downloads and improve navigation and voice services.

Additionally, the drone company EVA utilized Azure Edge Zones with AT&T to test its autonomous controls. Using the EVA application deployed at the edge, the company could achieve autonomous drone control beyond the visual line of sight. With the scalability offered by AT&T, the partnership may enable the future of autonomous drone delivery in select metropolitan areas.

AT&T’s Eva Autonomous Drone customer story.

Finally, to improve the virtual experience of musicians, JamKazam uses Azure Edge Zones with AT&T to deliver live and in-sync video and audio for musicians playing in multiple locations.

A look into how JamKazam uses Azure Edge Zones and how it all works.

This is not only a transformative application for virtual concerts; it can also improve rehearsals, jam sessions and the general process of making music that relies on real-time interactions. Applications of the platform include remote music rehearsals, online music classes, concert broadcasts and accompaniment services. The ultralow latency offered by AT&T provides improved audio and video streaming that lets musicians play in sync without the frequent failings of home Wi-Fi networks.

Where Will Edge Computing Take Us?

The basic principle of edge computing is to bring data storage and analysis as well as computational power closer to the devices where information is generated. Instead of relying on central locations, latency is reduced as data is collected and analyzed in proximity to the source. For real-time data analytics, the implications are enormous, and the speed and security of edge platforms consistently outperform traditional cloud-based computing. As the number of devices and their collective data generation continues to increase, edge computing with 5G connectivity will enable companies to continue offering low latency, high-security services.