Composition of the Metaverse: Infrastructure Layer
Part 2 of 8. For a brief intro about this blog series, read What is the Metaverse. Check out each Metaverse layer: Infrastructure, Human Interface, Decentralization, Spatial Computing, Creator Economy, Discovery, and Experience.
Computational Power/Hardware Requirements for the Metaverse
Many estimates put requirement figures at 1,000 times greater efficiency than some of the most powerful computers currently being offered for future mass participation in the Metaverse. In other words, the Metaverse infrastructure must build towards 24/7/365 instantaneous interaction with all metadata connections and experiences. It’s one thing to see small-scale offerings of virtual avatars and interactive simulations with a limited number of members. However, onboarding masses will require an industrial revolution-like surge of exponential computational power.
It will take much more than scaling up data centers with more robust processors. Here are a few concepts that aim to help elevate the massive power increase. The first is edge computing. Per Stephen J. Bigelow, “In simplest terms, edge computing moves some portion of the storage and compute resources out of the central data center and closer to the source of the data itself. Rather than transmitting raw data to a central data center for processing and analysis, that work is instead performed where the data is actually generated — whether that’s a retail store, a factory floor, a sprawling utility, or across a smart city.” Keep in mind that edge computing and cloud computing are not the same. One glaring difference is that edge is usually decentralized, whereas cloud is centralized, and latency (time lag on the network) will most likely be an issue. Render (RNDR) protocol provides another possible reduction in needed computational power through the harnessing of idle GPUs. The Metaverse will require massive amounts of 3D renderings.
These are just a couple of examples, but we can see that the Metaverse will take a multifaceted approach to acquire increased data processing. What future hardware requirements may be necessary? According to Jon Radoff: “For the devices mentioned in the human interference layer to work efficiently, we need tiny hardware that is powerful.” Specifically, “these include semiconductors that are approaching 3nm processes and beyond; microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) that facilitate tiny sensors; and compact, long-lasting batteries.”
aConnectivity/Interoperability
Yes, we are mentioning 6G already. Even though we are still in the initial phases of 5G adoption. Considering the infrastructure changes required to make leaps from 4G to 5G, the jump to 6G will not simply be one order of magnitude higher in infrastructure needs, but most likely many. Keeping in mind that the Metaverse will require global inclusivity, we have more than a few years until the next network upgrade can support the whole world. Beyond Internet connection, interoperability will be a significant hurdle to tackle. For example, will I be able to bring a specific avatar I created into the Amazon metaverse to browse items virtually? As it stands, there is not a fair amount of inoperability in the larger space of blockchain. Fortunately, this is a recognized problem. There are possible solutions that will help, such as the Chainlink Oracle and groups dedicated to solving this hurdle. It will not be a small task. If you want more depth, Jon Radoff explains it quite well.
Energy Consumption
With the need to increase the full breadth of underlying infrastructure (increased bandwidth, upgrades in network abilities, and computation power), you might assume energy consumption will increase exponentially! Yes and no. Stepping back and examining the macro view, we must consider what the Metaverse could accomplish with the scaling of efficiency and renewables. For example, Google has committed to operating on 24/7 carbon-free energy in all its data centers by 2030; Microsoft intends to be carbon negative by 2030, including a plan to stop using diesel fuel in its data center generators, by 2030; and Amazon Web Services (AWS) aims to power its operations with 100% renewable energy by 2025 (VentureBeat). Also, there is a high probability that the Metaverse will increase economies of efficiency. For example, Cleantechia.com makes a pertinent case for energy and production savings we could see.
Capital Investments
Let’s not forget about investment costs. Grayscale Investments estimates the Metaverse to be a trillion-dollar revenue opportunity. Matthew Ball claims a 10 trillion to 30 trillion valuation will manifest itself in the next decade. It’s safe to say future investments allocated to the build-out of the Metaverse will be astronomically high.
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Our 8-part blog series on the layers of the Metaverse:
