Mobile Metaverse Server

Description

The Mobile Metaverse Server is a term introduced in 3GPP Release 19 to describe an application server that supports one or more mobile metaverse services, which users access via the 5G system. It is a key architectural component that hosts the application logic, media processing, and content for mobile metaverse experiences. The server may be deployed in various locations, such as in the cloud, at the edge, or on-premises, depending on latency and performance requirements. The definition is provided in 3GPP specifications 22.156 and 22.856, which outline the service requirements and architecture for mobile metaverse services.

The Mobile Metaverse Server is responsible for delivering media streams, processing user interactions, and managing the state of the virtual environment. It may support multiple users simultaneously, enabling shared experiences. The server communicates with user equipment (UE) over the 5G system, utilizing the network's QoS and slicing capabilities to ensure the required performance. For latency-sensitive applications, such as haptic feedback, the server may be deployed at the edge of the network to minimize round-trip time. The 5G system provides the connectivity and QoS enforcement to ensure that the server can deliver the service as required.

How it works: When a user accesses a mobile metaverse service, the UE establishes a connection to the Mobile Metaverse Server via the 5G system. The server authenticates the user, sets up the session, and begins streaming media. The server may also receive input from the user, such as motion or haptic data, and update the virtual environment accordingly. The 5G system ensures that the data is transported with the appropriate QoS, using QoS flows and network slicing. The server may interact with other network functions, such as the Policy Control Function (PCF) and the Session Management Function (SMF), to request and enforce QoS. The server may also leverage edge computing platforms to offload processing and reduce latency.

The Mobile Metaverse Server can be seen as a specialized application server that is optimized for immersive media. It may support various media types, including audio, video, XR (including haptic) media, and point clouds. It may also support media adaptation based on network conditions, ensuring a consistent user experience. The server may be part of a larger ecosystem, interacting with other servers for content distribution, analytics, or social features. The 3GPP specifications define the requirements for the server, including its interaction with the 5G system.

In the context of the mobile metaverse, the server is a critical enabler. It provides the computational resources and content storage necessary for immersive experiences. Without a server, UEs would need to process all media locally, which is often impractical due to size and power constraints. The server also enables multi-user interaction by maintaining a shared state. The 5G system's role is to provide reliable, low-latency connectivity between the UE and the server, ensuring that the user experience is seamless.

In summary, the Mobile Metaverse Server is an application server that supports mobile metaverse services over the 5G system. It hosts the application logic and media processing, and it may be deployed at the edge to meet latency requirements. The 3GPP specifications define its role and requirements, ensuring interoperability and performance.

Purpose & Motivation

The Mobile Metaverse Server exists to provide the necessary application and media processing capabilities for mobile metaverse services. In traditional client-server models, servers host content and logic, but the mobile metaverse imposes additional requirements, such as ultra-low latency, high bandwidth, and support for multiple media types. The Mobile Metaverse Server is designed to meet these requirements by leveraging the 5G system's advanced features, such as edge computing and network slicing.

The motivation for defining this term is to establish a clear architectural component that can be referenced in specifications and implementations. It allows for standardized interfaces and interactions between the server and the 5G system, ensuring that services can be deployed consistently. It also facilitates interoperability between different vendors' servers and UEs. The term is broad enough to cover various deployment scenarios, from cloud-based servers to edge servers, and from single-user to multi-user services.

Historically, application servers for media services have existed, but the mobile metaverse server is distinguished by its support for immersive media and its integration with the 5G system. It builds on previous work on 5G media streaming and XR, but extends it to include haptic media and point clouds. The Mobile Metaverse Server is thus a natural evolution of application server concepts, tailored for the immersive era.