Over the past few weeks I have supported XR Zone and SURF with testing in their research into VR applications with 5G. They want to use the benefits of 5G to deploy Extended Reality (XR) for education and research.
XR Zone's research uses the 5G test facilities of the Do IoT Fieldlab of TU Delft. I will take you along in this innovative project of the XR future!
Prepare virtually for a physical training
The XR Zone is a facility that TU Delft offers. XR Zones goal of this project is to set up an XR application that streams content to a device in the field. This can be used for example in an educational or research environment, where a group of people experiences a visualization.
This allows participants to prepare virtually for the environment where the physical training takes place. The equipment and trainers remain available during this preparation. This ensures a more efficient training with less impact on the location. Processes do not have to be stopped for as long or not at all during the actual training. Think for example of a production line in a factory.
Travel time for trainers and participants is also reduced. Less travel is required and participation can be done digitally.
Key 5G use cases contribute to XR
XR encompasses both Virtual Reality (VR) and Argumented Reality (AR). But why is 5G so suitable for XR? It’s because 3 major use cases of 5G offer huge benefits for XR. These cases are:
- Enhanced massive broadband (eMBB);
- Ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC);
- Massive machine-type communications (mMTC).
5G’s high bandwidth (eMBB) ensures a smooth and high-quality streaming experience for VR users, without any delays.
URLLC enables interactive and/or multiplayer XR applications. This allows users to collaborate seamlessly and remotely in the virtual environment.
mMTC allows you to use a wide range of sensors as input for XR applications, making interactive virtual experiences even more realistic.
Simulation on a public 5G network
For the final test we brought together 2 players at Unmanned Valley in Katwijk and 2 players at The Green Village of the TU Delft. With this test we successfully created the simulation of VR on a public 5G network where participants from different locations can participate in the same training.
During previous tests, we have already investigated how the VR application works with one 5G router, and with two 5G routers in two different places within a site.
The tests are together with SURF performed, a partner in the Do IoT Fieldlab. They develop digital services for the smart campus of TU Delft. This creates the right preconditions for education and research.
The Edge of the 5G Network
Now the VR glasses still connect to WiFi because there is no 5G router in the glasses. But we have already explored the possibilities of 5G by rendering the images from the edge of the 5G network, the data center and the cloud.
By using the edge of the 5G network, the delay is minimized. The image is not routed via the cloud or the data center. No (noticeable) delay is crucial for the players because it prevents them from feeling sick and uncomfortable. What you see matches what you feel and do. This makes the experience even more realistic for the players.
Testing provides valuable insights
The aim of this research for XR Zone and MCS is to gain experience with the (future) possibilities of 5G for XR applications.
It was also important to discover the challenges of 5G. For example, think of the necessary adjustments to existing software for the shift from an in-house fixed network to a public mobile network. This knowledge can be used to continue to push the boundaries of XR and 5G.
More information
Want to get started with 5G yourself? We have developed a 5G mobile kit. Together with you, we would like to look at the possibilities for your organization. TakeContactcontact us for more information.
By Pim Zwager
Nederlands