A conceptual framework developed by ETSI defining the structural organisation, functional components, and interaction patterns of metaverse systems, providing a standardised reference architecture for telecommunications infrastructure supporting persistent, interconnected virtual environments.
Semantic Classification
Content
Domain Model Structure
Core Components
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User Domain: End-user devices, interfaces, and identity management
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Application Domain: Virtual worlds, services, and content delivery
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Infrastructure Domain: Networks, compute, and storage resources
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Management Domain: Orchestration, security, and governance
Functional Layers
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Presentation layer (XR rendering)
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Session layer (user sessions, state management)
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Service layer (metaverse applications)
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Platform layer (compute, storage, networking)
Technical Architecture
Network Infrastructure
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5G/6G core network integration
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Edge computing nodes
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Content delivery networks
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Distributed storage systems
Compute Distribution
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Cloud computing backend
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Edge processing nodes
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Device-local computation
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Hybrid processing models
Data Management
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Real-time synchronisation
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State persistence
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Asset management
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Identity federation
Interoperability Framework
Cross-Platform Standards
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Avatar interoperability
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Asset portability
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Identity federation
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Session continuity
Protocol Specifications
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Signalling protocols
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Media transport
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Synchronisation mechanisms
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Security protocols
Quality of Experience
Metrics Framework
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Visual quality indicators
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Audio fidelity measures
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Interaction latency metrics
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Presence and immersion scores
Performance Requirements
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Motion-to-photon latency targets
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Frame rate specifications
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Resolution standards
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Spatial audio requirements
Implementation Guidance
Deployment Models
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Private metaverse environments
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Public metaverse platforms
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Hybrid configurations
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Federated metaverses
Security Considerations
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Authentication mechanisms
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Data protection frameworks
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Privacy preservation
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Content moderation
Coordination with Standards Bodies
ETSI Coordination
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ITU Focus Group on Metaverse
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Metaverse Standards Forum
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3GPP for network specifications
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IEEE for device standards