This clause explores the integration of ETSI MEC and oneM2M technologies in the Smart City and Intelligent Mobility domains, where the convergence of edge computing and IoT is reshaping urban transportation and public safety. By combining MEC’s low-latency processing capabilities with oneM2M’s standardized service layer, cities can deploy scalable and interoperable solutions that ensure secure and efficient data exchange across heterogeneous environments. This combination enables smarter, safer, and more responsive urban mobility infrastructure.
In the context of connected and autonomous vehicles, MEC delivers ultra-low-latency data processing at the network edge, which is essential for dynamic service discovery, real-time situational awareness, and context-aware decision-making. MEC nodes process information close to where it is generated and consumed, facilitating direct interactions among vehicles, roadside equipment, sensors, and infrastructure components. When coupled with oneM2M, these nodes gain a unified, standards-based framework for interoperable communication and data management across diverse systems and vendors. This synergy allows vehicles and connected infrastructure to exchange critical information in real time, supporting continuous service delivery even in highly dynamic and complex mobility scenarios.
For example, Vulnerable Road User (VRU) protection services can be implemented by combining MEC’s localized computing with oneM2M’s hierarchical data coordination. In this scenario, an IN-CSE deployed in the cloud acts as a central coordinator, aggregating VRU-related data from roadside sensors, smartphones, and city platforms. When a connected vehicle enters a MEC-covered area, the IN-CSE offloads VRU detection tasks to a dynamically deployed MN-CSE running as a MEC application on the edge node. This instance performs localized risk assessment using live video feeds, LiDAR input, and positional data to detect pedestrians or cyclists crossing the roadway.
The MN-CSE processes this data in real time and generates immediate alerts using low-latency V2X communication protocols, enabling vehicles to react to emerging hazards with minimal delay. As vehicles traverse different MEC zones, MN-CSE instances migrate seamlessly between edge nodes to ensure uninterrupted service continuity. Meanwhile, the IN-CSE maintains global coordination, synchronizes historical data, and manages long-term analytics.
The architecture also leverages MEC platform services such as the Radio Network Information Service (RNIS) and Location Service to enhance context-awareness. For example, when a pedestrian unexpectedly enters a crosswalk, the edge node can instantly detect the movement and warn approaching vehicles. Similarly, if a cyclist is hidden behind parked cars, the system can combine inputs from multiple sensors to anticipate risk scenarios.
A key advantage of this approach is its layered architecture, where the cloud manages orchestration and historical records, while the edge executes time-critical functions. Vehicles dynamically connect to the most appropriate MN-CSE instance as they move, and edge resources are allocated or reclaimed based on latency requirements and network conditions. This model not only improves safety and responsiveness but also ensures efficient use of network bandwidth by offloading only essential processing to the edge.
Several triggers activate the VRU alert service, such as sudden VRU crossings, unexpected vehicle maneuvers near intersections, or high-density pedestrian activity. The system processes these events locally to maintain latency below critical thresholds (e.g., under 100 milliseconds), enabling timely collision avoidance measures. Interoperability is guaranteed by oneM2M’s standardized interfaces, which allow data producers and consumers from different vendors to seamlessly integrate.
To realize this use case, the MEC and oneM2M platforms must support real-time data synchronization, secure authentication, edge-side caching, and dynamic orchestration of MN-CSE instances. This capability ensures that the service scales to meet variable demand and adapts to evolving traffic and mobility patterns.
Enabling standardized IoT deployments in MEC environments for safer, smarter urban mobility systems.
The founding members of this initiative are CNIT, UNIMORE, xFlow, JK Consulting and Projects, FSCOM, Sejong University, Digital SME, Deutsche Telekom AG, Exacta GSS, Networks SRL, and Telecom Italia S.p.A. To register or learn more, contact estimed@etsi.org or visit https://estimed.etsi.org.
About ETSI
ETSI provides members with an open and inclusive environment to support the development, ratification, and testing of globally applicable standards for ICT systems and services across all sectors of industry and society. We are a non-profit body with more than 950 member organizations worldwide, drawn from 64 countries and five continents. Our members include large and small private companies, research entities, academia, government, and public organizations. ETSI is officially recognized by the EU as a European Standardization Organization (ESO). For more information, visit https://www.etsi.org.
Author:
CNIT
