Edge Computing: the Key to Powering the Metaverse

Last Updated on November 8, 2023 by Ameer Hamza

The tech industry is booming with new technologies, and the metaverse is at the centre of this rave. If you happen to be a decent social media user, there are high chances that you would have stumbled on conversations about the metaverse. This trend is unsurprising, as many people have touted the metaverse as the next big thing in the tech space. However, behind the glamour of the metaverse, its ability to scale and come to life depends on edge computing.

This article will discuss edge computing and how it is critical to the metaverse.

What is the Metaverse?

The metaverse is a virtual simulation of the real world. Simply put, it is a virtual space that integrates the features of real-life environments. Users can interact, purchase lands, and even establish companies in the metaverse. Some global companies have bought into the metaverse dream. For instance, Adidas and Samsung will establish commercial businesses in the metaverse.

However, beyond the promise of virtual territories, the metaverse has certain features that make it impossible for the technology to be powered by conventional connectivity. This is where edge computing comes into the picture.

What is Edge Computing?

Edge computing is a connection infrastructure that processes data through decentralised channels. Edge computing differs from traditional connectivity infrastructures because it processes data close to the data source. This proximity results in higher speed and lower bandwidth limitations.

Edge Computing and The Metaverse

As stated earlier, the metaverse is a virtual space that integrates features of real-life structures. This technology will require vast volumes of data and a connection more robust than conventional connection channels. This situation is why edge computing has been tagged as the preferred connection architecture for the metaverse.

First, given that edge computing processes data close to the source, the connection’s speed is much faster. This speed is critical for metaverse applications, as the technology works in real-time. For example, imagine playing a simulation of a game like Call of Duty in the metaverse. In this case, players must have a network strong enough to initiate actions like shooting in real time. This need also applies to other transactions and interactions in the metaverse.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg further reinforced this in a recent statement. He stated that the metaverse’s viability depends on huge advancements in network connectivity. Currently, traditional network architectures cannot support large-scale technology like the metaverse. This outcome is due to the lower speed tendencies with conventional connections. Thus, edge computing stands out as the only form of connection that can effectively power the metaverse without glitches.

Conclusion

The metaverse is ahead of its time. Hence, it could potentially revolutionise interactions in the future. While edge computing remains the primary tool through which this technology can come to life, it is expected that more advancements will be released in the coming years to offer higher speed and data processing capabilities.