Immersive Content Strains Wireless Networks

A new paper by InterDigital, Inc. and Futuresource Consulting finds that the increasing consumption of immersive content will heavily burden current wireless infrastructure, driving innovation.

According to the report, titled "Media over Wireless: Networks for Ubiquitous Video," the growing accessibility of immersive and extended reality (XR) content necessitates an evolution of current network architecture to meet the rising demand. XR applications are placing new demands on wireless networks that are not equipped to handle the next generation of immersive entertainment.

The number of XR devices shipped is projected to increase fourfold from 2025 levels, reaching 83 million units globally by 2031. Current limitations are evident as 40% of consumers report dissatisfaction with network performance.

Futuresource anticipates that the deployment of 6G will coincide with the maturation of XR hardware and software ecosystems, expected between 2028 and 2032.