XR Growth Strains Wireless Networks
Source: xrtoday.com
A report by InterDigital and Futuresource Consulting indicates that current network architecture may not be able to handle the increasing use of RT3D immersive/XR services. The report, “Media over Wireless: Networks for Ubiquitous Video,” emphasizes that XR applications are putting demands on wireless networks that they may struggle to meet, especially for next-generation immersive entertainment.
XR Market Growth
InterDigital's Head of Video Labs, Lionel Oisel, noted that the XR market is evolving beyond a niche, and XR entertainment will become an expectation as 6G standards are released around 2030, including interactive digital sports venues, real-time augmented city guides and digital twins. Oisel stated that the quality of these experiences depends on ultra-low latency, responsive interactivity, and consistent media synchronization.
Currently, mobile phones are commonly used for AR and immersive experiences. However, the network strain could increase if smart glasses become popular. The XR market is growing, with XR device shipments projected to quadruple between 2025 and 2031, reaching 83 million units globally. Stalled adoption of immersive devices may occur without network upgrades, especially since 40% of consumers are already dissatisfied with network performance, even though video demands are less intensive than XR.
Network Stress Test
Milind Kulkarni, Head of Wireless Labs at InterDigital, noted the high demand for immersive entertainment, stating that wireless systems need to prepare for the shift from watching video to stepping inside it as XR devices become more accessible. Kulkarni added that XR is a stress test for wireless networks, and its throughput and latency demands make it a key use case for 6G and next-gen video codecs.
The development of immersive connectivity is ongoing. In 2022, Samsung invested in dedicated 5G networks in South Korea to support digital twins, autonomous vehicles, AI, and AR hardware. With products like the Moohan XR headset, new Mobile AI, and other technologies showcased, Samsung is using its technology to build a foundation for innovation. This gives Samsung an advantage in deploying its Moohan headset, which other AR smart glasses vendors may not have. Samsung aims to establish a private 5G ecosystem in South Korea to improve infrastructure for digital twins, autonomous vehicles, AI, and AR, specifically targeting non-telecom operators. Samsung also plans to use 5G to introduce new technologies for hospitals, universities, construction sites, and government agencies, possibly laying the groundwork for AR adoption in Korea, starting with the 2022 5G framework.
Across the world, 5G/6G is emerging as the next form of communications and could be the next step following the AI/XR boost.