Mobile Edge Computing, Metaverse, 6G Wireless Communications, Artificial Intelligence, and Blockchain: Survey and Their Convergence

Abstract

With the advances of the Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G/6G wireless communications, the paradigms of mobile computing have developed dramatically in recent years, from centralized mobile cloud computing to distributed fog computing and mobile edge computing (MEC). MEC pushes computeintensive assignments to the edge of the network and brings resources as close to the endpoints as possible, addressing the shortcomings of mobile devices with regard to storage space, resource optimisation, computational performance and efficiency. Compared to cloud computing, as the distributed and closer infrastructure, the convergence of MEC with other emerging technologies, including the Metaverse, 6G wireless communications, artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain, also solves the problems of network resource allocation, more network load as well as latency requirements. Accordingly, this paper investigates the computational paradigms used to meet the stringent requirements of modern applications. The application scenarios of MEC in mobile augmented reality (MAR) are provided. Furthermore, this survey presents the motivation of MEC-based Metaverse and introduces the applications of MEC to the Metaverse. Particular emphasis is given on a set of technical fusions mentioned above, e.g., 6G with MEC paradigm, MEC strengthened by blockchain, etc.

Roles of Blockchain in the Metaverse: Concepts, Taxonomy, Recent Advances, Enabling Technologies, and Open Research Issues

“…This clearly augments the execution performance of Metaverse technologies that encompass all reality and virtualization. For example, XR devices gather information, including biometric information like fingerprints, handprints, and iris signatures, plus the accumulation of user information from other social media platforms [72], [73], [74], [75]. XR applications can also deliver combined wireless sensors for immersive and real-time user connections.…”

Cluster-Based Multi-User Multi-Server Caching Mechanism in Beyond 5G/6G MEC

“…The survey [ 5 ] presents a technology overview and application scenarios for future MEC technologies. In addition, a discussion of how MEC is converged with 6G, AI, blockchain, and the metaverse.…”

“…For example, the IoT system can benefit from the powerful B5G/6G MEC [ 4 ]. It rapidly transfers data and real-time monitoring information of physical objects to a fully digital world or virtual environment through Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), Extended Reality (XR), or any other Metaverse-related technologies while orchestrating real-time information exchange between the physical and digital worlds [ 5 , 6 ]. Using real-time video conferencing for e-learning and online meetings helped us a lot during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown.…”

Dynamic edge clustering and task scheduling for edge assisted metaverse system in the field of remote work and collaboration

“…The centralized processing and storage model commonly used in traditional cloud setups is unable to provide the low latency and high bandwidth required for a seamless and immersive metaverse experience. 9 As a result, there is a need to explore alternative solutions and technologies that can address these limitations and enable a more efficient and effective remote work and collaboration environment within the metaverse.…”