A hierarchical classification system developed by ETSI organising metaverse concepts, technologies, and services into structured categories, enabling consistent terminology, clear domain boundaries, and interoperable standards development across the telecommunications and immersive technology ind…
Semantic Classification
Content
Taxonomy Structure
Technology Domains
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Extended Reality (XR): VR, AR, MR technologies
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Network Infrastructure: 5G/6G, edge computing
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Computing Resources: Cloud, edge, device-local
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Data Management: Storage, synchronisation, persistence
Service Categories
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Immersive Communications: Real-time collaboration
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Virtual Environments: Persistent world hosting
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Content Delivery: Asset streaming, rendering
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Identity Management: Authentication, avatars
Application Domains
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Enterprise Metaverse: Training, collaboration, digital twins
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Consumer Metaverse: Gaming, social, entertainment
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Industrial Metaverse: Manufacturing, simulation
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Public Services: Education, healthcare, government
Classification Principles
Hierarchical Organisation
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Domain: Highest level grouping
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Category: Functional groupings within domains
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Subcategory: Specific technology or service types
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Instance: Individual implementations
Cross-Domain Relationships
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Horizontal relationships across domains
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Dependency mappings
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Interface specifications
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Interoperability requirements
Standards Alignment
Related Frameworks
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ITU Focus Group on Metaverse classifications
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IEEE metaverse terminology standards (P2048)
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ISO/IEC immersive technology taxonomies
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Metaverse Standards Forum domain structures
Terminology Harmonisation
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Consistent definitions across standards bodies
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Mapping to existing telecommunications standards
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Integration with 3GPP specifications
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Alignment with OGC geospatial standards
Implementation
Use Cases
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Standards development organisation coordination
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Technology vendor product classification
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Regulatory framework development
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Research and development prioritisation
Industry Applications
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Telecommunications network planning
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Device and platform certification
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Service level agreement definitions
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Procurement specifications