Special issue on Metaverse

The Metaverse is a complex cyber-physical-social system that can bridge the gap between virtuality and reality. The Metaverse is not science fiction. Emerging technologies, such as digital twin, virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, and holographic-type communications, are enablers for the Metaverse. Users in the Metaverse can interact with other remote users, within digital virtual environments. Areas, such as entertainment, sports, financial business, and virtual conferences, can be supported by the Metaverse. High data rate​s (several Tbps) and extremely low latency (lower than 1 ms) are desirable for Metaverse applications. Existing 5G wireless systems cannot provide these types of services. Currently, the development of the Metaverse is significantly constrained by the lack of powerful communication, networking, and computing technologies. For example, head-mounted displays for virtual reality are typically tethered by cables to provide reliable data communications which constrains users’ mobility.

6G systems will play an important role in developing Metaverse applications. Future 6G will deal with unprecedented demand and the need to enable and enhance scenario-based services in the Metaverse. More powerful communication, networking and computing technologies are required to support this development. Holographic-type communications, for example, will support large high-resolution holographic displays, as well as real-time interactions between remote users. This type of Metaverse application requires extremely reliable communication, high network throughput and efficient lightweight computing. Therefore, the communication, networking, and computing technologies in 6G systems require a significant upgrade to realize various Metaverse applications. Potential technologies include AI/ML-empowered networks, cognitive computing, enhanced air interface technology, new physical dimension wireless transmission technology, terahertz, space-ground integration, ubiquitous/pervasive computing, and high-performance and distributed computing. In addition, security and privacy concerns are arising with the development of the Metaverse. New privacy threats, such as virtual spying and digital content theft, are created in complex situations with the blending of various technologies. Moreover, a virtual economy is necessary to support socialization in the Metaverse.

This special issue aims to attract submissions of cutting-edge research from academia and industry, particularly those emphasizing theories, algorithms, techniques, prototypes, and applications for 6G communication, networking and computing technologies that can generate breakthroughs for Metaverse research.