As XR devices and services proliferate, existing wireless infrastructure faces a critical test
A recent report from InterDigital and market research firm Futuresource Consulting showed that the increasing accessibility of RT3D immersive/XR services means that current networking architecture may not be powerful enough to support this growth.
The firm’s report “Media over Wireless: Networks for Ubiquitous Video” highlighted that XR applications are placing new demands on wireless networks, which, in their current state, will struggle to support the next generation of immersive entertainment.
“The XR market is entering a pivotal phase, where immersive content is no longer a niche,” remarked Lionel Oisel, Head of Video Labs, at InterDigital, who also explained that as 2030 approaches alongside the release of the first 6G standards, “XR entertainment is going to become an expectation, where we will see interactive digital sports venues to real-time augmented city guides and digital twins.”
Oisel also said:
But the success of these experiences will hinge entirely on quality of experience— whereby ultra-low latency, responsive interactivity, and consistent media synchronisation which are all essential to unlocking XR’s full potential.
Currently, mobile phone devices are the most common end-device for AR and other immersive experiences, but if the smart glasses boom takes place as its market leaders predict, then the strain on the network may only rise.
The report indicates that the XR market is experiencing rapid growth. By 2031, the number of XR devices shipped is projected to quadruple compared to 2025, reaching 83 million units globally. Without significant network upgrades, the market may face stalled adoption of immersive devices. This is particularly concerning, as 40% of consumers currently report dissatisfaction with network performance, especially considering that video demands are less intensive than those of XR technologies.
Milind Kulkarni, Head of Wireless Labs at InterDigital, added:
The high demand for more immersive entertainment cannot be ignored. As XR devices become more accessible, we’ll move from simply watching video to stepping inside it—and future wireless systems need to be prepared for this staggering change. XR is a stress test for wireless networks, where the throughput and latency demands make it the defining use case for 6G and next-gen video codecs.
Samsung’s 3-Year Hyperconnectivity Plan
The future of immersive connectivity is actively being developed. For instance, in 2022, Samsung invested significantly in dedicated 5G networks in South Korea. This move supports the ongoing development of digital twins, autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality hardware.
With products like the Moohan XR headset, new Mobile AI, and other technologies showcased at CES and Unpacked, Samsung is leveraging its extensive technology portfolio to lay a solid foundation for its recent innovations.
This gives Samsung a considerable advantage in deploying its Moohan headset—an advantage that other emerging AR smart glasses vendors may lack. In its original press release, Samsung highlighted its goals of establishing a private 5G ecosystem in South Korea to enhance infrastructure for digital twins, autonomous vehicles, AI, and AR, specifically targeting non-telecom operators.
Samsung also outlined its dedication to using 5G as a tool to introduce new emerging technologies for workflows in hospitals, universities, construction sites, and military and local government agencies—perhaps laying a foundational layer for AR adoption in Korea starting from that 2022 5G framework kickoff.
Across the world, 5G/6G is emerging as the next form of communications. For XR, this is a timely fit and could very well be the next stepping stone to adoption following the AI/XR boost of 2024/25.
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