AWS Wavelength is a service designed to deliver ultra-low latency applications by embedding AWS compute and storage services at the edge of 5G networks. This innovative solution extends AWS infrastructure to telecommunications providers' 5G networks, enabling developers to build applications that r…AWS Wavelength is a service designed to deliver ultra-low latency applications by embedding AWS compute and storage services at the edge of 5G networks. This innovative solution extends AWS infrastructure to telecommunications providers' 5G networks, enabling developers to build applications that require single-digit millisecond latencies for end users.<br><br>For Solutions Architects focusing on continuous improvement, Wavelength addresses critical performance optimization scenarios. When existing solutions require reduced latency for mobile and connected device applications, Wavelength Zones provide the infrastructure needed to process data closer to end users.<br><br>Key architectural considerations include:<br><br>**Deployment Model**: Wavelength Zones are extensions of AWS Regions. Applications can be deployed using familiar AWS services like EC2, EBS, and VPC, maintaining consistency with existing cloud architectures while gaining edge capabilities.<br><br>**Use Cases for Improvement**: Existing solutions involving real-time gaming, augmented reality, virtual reality, autonomous vehicles, smart factories, and live video streaming can benefit significantly. By migrating latency-sensitive components to Wavelength Zones, architects can enhance user experience and application responsiveness.<br><br>**Network Architecture**: Traffic from 5G devices reaches Wavelength Zones through the carrier network, avoiding multiple hops across the internet. This topology is essential for applications where every millisecond matters.<br><br>**Integration Strategy**: For continuous improvement, architects should identify application components that would benefit from edge deployment while keeping backend services in the parent Region. This hybrid approach optimizes both latency and cost.<br><br>**Operational Considerations**: Wavelength integrates with AWS management tools, allowing teams to maintain existing operational practices. CloudWatch, IAM, and other services function seamlessly across Wavelength deployments.<br><br>When evaluating existing solutions for improvement, consider Wavelength when mobile user experience metrics indicate latency issues, when 5G adoption is growing among your user base, or when competitors are offering faster response times for similar applications.
AWS Wavelength - Complete Guide for AWS Solutions Architect Professional
What is AWS Wavelength?
AWS Wavelength is an AWS infrastructure deployment that embeds AWS compute and storage services within telecommunications providers' 5G networks. This enables developers to build applications that deliver ultra-low latency to mobile devices and end users at the edge of the 5G network.
Why is AWS Wavelength Important?
AWS Wavelength addresses the critical need for single-digit millisecond latency applications. Traditional cloud architectures introduce latency because data must travel from the device to the nearest AWS Region. Wavelength eliminates this by placing AWS services at the edge of the carrier network, reducing the number of network hops required.
Key importance factors include: - Ultra-low latency: Essential for real-time applications like gaming, AR/VR, and autonomous vehicles - 5G optimization: Leverages the high bandwidth and low latency of 5G networks - Consistent AWS experience: Use familiar AWS APIs, tools, and services - Carrier partnerships: Available through Verizon, Vodafone, KDDI, SK Telecom, and other carriers
How AWS Wavelength Works
1. Wavelength Zones: AWS infrastructure deployments embedded in telecom data centers at the edge of 5G networks
2. Carrier Gateway: Provides connectivity between Wavelength Zones and the carrier network, enabling communication with devices on the carrier network
3. VPC Extension: You extend your Amazon VPC to Wavelength Zones by creating subnets in those zones
4. Supported Services: EC2 instances, EBS volumes, and VPC networking components can be deployed in Wavelength Zones
5. Traffic Flow: Application traffic from 5G devices reaches the Wavelength Zone first, processes locally, and only traverses to the parent AWS Region when necessary
Key Architecture Concepts
- Parent Region: Each Wavelength Zone is associated with an AWS Region - Subnet Association: Create Wavelength subnets within your VPC to deploy resources - Carrier IP: Public IP addresses allocated from the carrier's IP pool for public-facing applications - AWS Region Connectivity: Resources in Wavelength Zones can communicate with resources in the parent Region through the VPC
Use Cases
- Real-time gaming and game streaming - Live video streaming and interactive media - Augmented and virtual reality applications - Connected vehicle applications - Industrial IoT and automation - Machine learning inference at the edge - Smart city applications
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on AWS Wavelength
Scenario Recognition: - Look for keywords like ultra-low latency, 5G, mobile edge, single-digit millisecond latency, or carrier network - Questions mentioning real-time mobile applications requiring minimal latency often point to Wavelength
Distinguish from Similar Services: - Wavelength vs. Local Zones: Wavelength is specifically for 5G carrier networks; Local Zones are for general geographic proximity to users - Wavelength vs. Outposts: Outposts bring AWS to your own data center; Wavelength brings AWS to carrier data centers - Wavelength vs. CloudFront: CloudFront caches content; Wavelength runs compute at the 5G edge
Key Points to Remember: - Wavelength Zones are extensions of VPCs - Limited service availability compared to full AWS Regions - Requires partnership with specific telecom carriers - Best for latency-sensitive mobile and connected device applications - Resources can communicate with the parent AWS Region for backend services
Common Exam Traps: - Do not confuse Wavelength with general edge computing solutions when 5G is not mentioned - Remember that Wavelength is carrier-specific and location-dependent - Understand that heavy backend processing should remain in the parent Region while latency-sensitive processing occurs in Wavelength Zones