5G and Beyond Mobile Networks for the Metaverse: Challenges and Opportunities

Dear Colleagues,

The evolution of 5G networks and emerging mobile computing technologies has unlocked new possibilities for the Metaverse, enabling immersive, interactive, and large-scale virtual environments. As the Metaverse continues to expand, network performance, scalability, and intelligence become critical factors in delivering seamless and high-quality experiences to millions of concurrent users.

To meet these demands, advanced Mobile Edge Computing (MEC), fog computing, and AI-driven networking are being integrated into 5G infrastructures to reduce latency, enhance processing efficiency, and optimize real-time data transmission. These technologies empower intelligent resource management, real-time analytics, and adaptive connectivity, ensuring that Metaverse applications—such as real-time virtual collaboration, cloud gaming, and extended reality (XR) environments—function smoothly at scale.

This Special Issue seeks original research articles and review papers that explore innovative network architectures, AI-enhanced mobile systems, and next-generation computing paradigms that leverage 5G for Metaverse applications. We encourage interdisciplinary contributions that focus on the intersection of mobile networks, edge/fog computing, AI, and immersive technologies to advance Metaverse connectivity.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• 5G network architectures optimized for Metaverse applications;
• Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) and fog computing for low-latency immersive experiences;
• AI-driven network optimization and traffic management in 5G environments;
• Real-time data processing and adaptive networking for large-scale Metaverse users;
• Quality of Experience (QoE) and Quality of Service (QoS) improvements in 5G-based Metaverse scenarios;
• Scalability solutions for massive concurrent users in virtual spaces;
• Network slicing and virtualization for adaptive Metaverse environments;
• Cloud and edge-based rendering techniques for immersive applications;
• Security and privacy challenges in 5G-powered Metaverse networks;
• Energy-efficient and sustainable computing for mobile Metaverse applications.

We invite researchers and industry experts to contribute innovative solutions that bridge the gap between 5G, intelligent computing, and the Metaverse, ensuring a high-performance, scalable, and sustainable virtual ecosystem.

Dr. Jinsul Kim
Prof. Dr. Tai-Won Um
Prof. Dr. Gyu Myoung Lee
Guest Editors

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