Bandung, Indonesia – December 18th, 2023 – The xG Research Center of Use Cases and Applications (“xG Research Center”) today announced promising interim results from its ongoing research into enhancing cloud-accessed multimedia content by leveraging 5G technology. The findings underscore the critical role of optimized 5G network parameters in delivering seamless streaming, immersive experiences, and new possibilities for multimedia applications across various industries. 

5G: The Foundation for Enhanced Multimedia Experiences

The research highlights the following 5G network parameters as essential for delivering high-quality cloud-based multimedia access:

1. High Bandwidth and Throughput:

• Why it matters: Streaming high-quality video (especially 4K or even 8K), downloading large multimedia files, and engaging in interactive media applications require significant bandwidth.
• 5G’s advantage: eMBB (enhanced Mobile Broadband) in 5G offers peak data rates exceeding 1 Gbps and much higher average user throughput compared to 4G.
• Numbers to note: 
  • For smooth 4K streaming: Aim for at least 20 Mbps sustained throughput per user.
  • For 8K streaming: 50 Mbps or higher would be ideal.
  • For large downloads: Maximize peak data rates to minimize download times.

2. Low Latency:

• Why it matters: Latency impacts interactive media experiences like cloud gaming, video conferencing, and augmented reality applications overlaid on multimedia content.
• 5G’s advantage: URLLC (Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication) in 5G targets latencies under 10ms, and in some cases, as low as 1ms.
• Numbers to note: 
  • For cloud gaming: Strive for latency below 20ms for a responsive experience.
  • For video conferencing: Lower latency reduces delays and improves interaction quality.

3. Reliable Connection:

• Why it matters: A stable connection is essential to prevent buffering, interruptions, and a degraded multimedia experience.
• 5G’s advantage: 5G’s improved network architecture, wider coverage, and technologies like beamforming contribute to a more reliable connection.
• Numbers to note: 
  • Packet loss: Aim for minimal packet loss (less than 0.1%) to ensure smooth streaming.
  • Jitter: Keep jitter (variation in latency) low to avoid choppy playback.

4. Edge Computing:

• Why it matters: Bringing content delivery and processing closer to the user through edge computing reduces latency and improves the responsiveness of multimedia applications.
• 5G’s advantage: 5G networks are often designed with edge computing capabilities, enabling faster content delivery and localized processing.

5. Network Slicing:

• Why it matters: Network slicing can dedicate resources to ensure a high-quality multimedia experience even during periods of high network congestion.
• 5G’s advantage: Operators can create virtual networks with guaranteed QoS parameters (bandwidth, latency) for multimedia streaming.

Example Scenarios:

• Streaming 4K movies on the go: 5G allows users to enjoy high-resolution movies on their mobile devices without buffering, even in crowded areas.
• Cloud gaming with low latency: Play graphics-intensive games on any device with a 5G connection, with a console-like experience thanks to low latency.
• Interactive AR experiences: Overlay augmented reality elements on live video streams or multimedia content, creating immersive and engaging experiences.

By optimizing these 5G parameters, the xG Research Center aims to create a world where high-quality multimedia content is accessible anytime, anywhere, on any device, transforming how we consume and interact with media.

About the xG Research Center

The xG Research Center is a leading research facility dedicated to exploring the vast potential of current and future mobile network technologies. Established through a dynamic partnership between the School of Engineering and Informatics at Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) and PT Huawei Tech Investment, the Center focuses on developing innovative use cases and applications for 5G and beyond (xG), fostering collaboration between academia and industry to drive the advancement of mobile technology and its positive impact on society.