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AWS Wavelength

AWS Wavelength Overview

  • Definition: AWS Wavelength is an infrastructure service that embeds AWS compute and storage capabilities within telecommunications providers’ 5G networks, enabling developers to build ultra-low-latency applications for mobile and edge devices.
  • Key Features:
    • Deploys EC2, EBS, and VPC resources in Wavelength Zones at the edge of 5G networks.
    • Supports ultra-low latency (single-digit milliseconds) for 5G and 4G/LTE devices.
    • Integrates with AWS Regions via VPC for seamless access to services like S3, DynamoDB.
    • Uses familiar AWS APIs, tools, and services (e.g., CloudFormation, EKS).
  • Use Cases: Real-time gaming, AR/VR, autonomous vehicles, IoT, live video streaming, ML inference at the edge.

1. AWS Wavelength Core Concepts

Components

  • Wavelength Zone:
    • AWS infrastructure deployed in a telecom provider’s data center (e.g., Verizon, Vodafone, Sonatel).
    • Logical extension of an AWS Region, managed by the Region’s control plane.
    • Explanation: E.g., Wavelength Zone in Dakar extends af-south-1.
  • Wavelength Subnet:
    • Subnet created in a Wavelength Zone to host resources (e.g., EC2 instances).
    • Explanation: E.g., deploy EC2 in a subnet for low-latency gaming.
  • Carrier Gateway:
    • Connects Wavelength Zone to the telecom provider’s network and the internet.
    • Supports inbound traffic from the carrier and outbound to the internet/Region.
    • Explanation: E.g., routes 5G device traffic to EC2 in Wavelength Zone.
  • Network Border Group:
    • Set of Wavelength Zones, Local Zones, or AZs for IP address advertisement.
    • Explanation: E.g., assign carrier IPs from a specific border group.
  • VPC Integration:
    • Extend a VPC to Wavelength Zones via subnets.
    • Resources in Wavelength Zones communicate with Region services over a high-bandwidth link.
    • Explanation: E.g., EC2 in Wavelength Zone accesses DynamoDB in us-east-1.

Supported Services

  • Compute: EC2 (T3, R5, M5, C5, G4dn for ML/GPU), EKS, ECS, Auto Scaling.
  • Storage: EBS gp2 volumes (encrypted, snapshot/restore capable).
  • Networking: VPC, carrier gateway, ALB (select zones).
  • Management: CloudWatch, CloudTrail, CloudFormation, Systems Manager.
  • Partner Solutions: Available via AWS Marketplace (e.g., third-party NLB, S3 alternatives).
  • Explanation: Limited compared to Regions; no RDS or S3 natively in Wavelength Zones.

Recent Updates (2024–2025):

  • New Wavelength Zone in Dakar, Senegal: General availability with Sonatel (Orange affiliate), extending af-south-1 (April 16, 2025).

  • ThousandEyes Cloud Agents: Deployed in Wavelength Zones for performance monitoring (October 2024).

  • Edge Discovery Service API/MEC Performance API: Enhance 5G edge deployments (April 2025).

  • Global Expansion: Available in 7+ US cities (e.g., Boston, Miami), Europe, Japan, South Korea, and now Africa.