MEC, or Mobile Edge Computing, is a network architecture that brings computation and data storage closer to the location where it is needed. This reduces latency, improves response times, and enhances the overall performance of applications, especially those requiring real-time processing, such as IoT devices and autonomous vehicles. By placing resources at the edge of the network, MEC allows for more efficient use of bandwidth and reduces the amount of data that needs to be sent to centralized data centers. This is particularly beneficial for applications in smart cities and augmented reality, where quick data processing is crucial for user experience.