A recent demonstration highlighted the successful integration of edge computing with hybrid satellite and 5G networks, designed to provide efficient, scalable, and secure media streaming services. The EBU's showcase presented a comprehensive solution combining satellite-native IP streaming with advanced 5G edge cloud technologies. This strategy uses satellite delivery for popular content, thereby decreasing the load on unicast capacity within backhaul networks and content delivery networks (CDNs).
Depending on the base station setup, content distribution to subscribers can be accomplished via 5G NR Unicast, 5G Multicast, or 5G Broadcast methods. The demonstration incorporated the 5G Media Streaming Architecture (3GPP TS 26.501) and utilised open-source components from the 5G-MAG Reference Tools development programme. This 5G edge-based streaming platform exemplifies the EBU's “Multilayer, Anywhere, Resilient, and Sustainable” (M.A.R.S.) distribution strategy, demonstrating the organisation’s commitment to innovation in media delivery infrastructure.
The 5G-EMERGE project, coordinated by the EBU and supported by the European Space Agency’s ARTES programme, is divided into two two-year phases. Phase 1, completed in late 2024 with 25 consortium partners, concentrated on creating prototypes and testbeds for various media applications, including direct-to-home, direct-to-vehicle, and direct-to-edge solutions. Phase 2, with 33 partners and scheduled to finish in late 2026, aims to introduce direct-to-device multicast and broadcast media services, enhance key technology components for market adoption, and investigate integration with emerging 5G NR-NTN networks.
In its second phase, 5G-EMERGE has expanded its consortium, showcasing a strong dedication to transforming content distribution. This phase prioritises advancing core technologies to market readiness, focusing on the requirements of ‘anchor customers.’ The consortium aims to develop edge services optimised for home reception, direct-to-vehicle access, and nomadic applications, while ensuring extensive 5G-network integration. The project will also explore service models enabled by NR-NTN, a new standard for direct 5G satellite-to-mobile communication.