Impact of XR and Metaverse on Telecommunication Networks

Extended Reality (XR) and the Metaverse are rapidly emerging technologies that have the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with the digital world. As these technologies become more popular, it is crucial to examine their impact on the telecommunications industry, particularly on the telecommunications networks that enable them to function.

XR is an umbrella term that encompasses Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR). These technologies blend the physical and digital worlds to create immersive, interactive (sometimes shared) experiences. VR creates a fully digital environment that users can explore, while AR overlays digital content onto the physical world. MR combines elements of both to create a more continuous and a seamless experience. These technologies are used in a wide range of applications, from entertainment and gaming to education and training.

The Metaverse is a term that refers to a shared, persistent virtual space where users can interact with each other, physical and digital assets in real-time. It is often described as a three-dimensional version of the internet. The Metaverse may integrate decentralized networks that rely on blockchain technology to create a secure, open platform where users can create and exchange digital assets. The Metaverse has the potential to transform the way we work, play, and socialize by creating a seamless virtual world.

The Impact of XR and the Metaverse on Telecommunication Networks

The emergence of XR and the Metaverse has significant implications for the telecommunications industry. These technologies require high-speed, low-latency networks that can handle large amounts of data in real-time. Telecommunication networks will need to evolve to meet these requirements, which will present both opportunities and challenges.

XR applications and the Metaverse require large amounts of data to be transmitted in real-time, which puts a strain on existing telecommunication networks. To meet the demand for bandwidth, telecommunication companies will need to invest in upgrading both wireless and fixed infrastructure. Failing to meet low-latency requirements can result in a poor user experience, and the deployment of edge computing infrastructure and other low-latency enablers (e.g., low latency protocols) are crucial steps towards addressing this issue.

XR and the Metaverse are designed to be a shared, persistent virtual space. This requires different networks to be able to interoperate with each other seamlessly. Standards Developing Organisations (SDO), such as 3GPP, have been working hard to create standards and protocols that allow different networks to work together. However, the multi0disciplinary nature of XR applications and the Metaverse demands for SDOs to coordinate among themselves for creating specifications that address key requirements. Moreover, requirements such as synchronous delivery of multimodal streams demand for telecommunication companies to provide services that goes beyond improved bandwidth and latency.