Enhancing Next-Generation Extended Reality Applications with Coded Caching

Abstract: The next evolutionary step in human-computer interfaces will bring forward immersive digital experiences that submerge users in a 3D world while allowing them to interact with virtual or twin objects. Accordingly, various collaborative extended reality (XR) applications are expected to emerge, imposing stringent performance requirements on the underlying wireless connectivity infrastructure. In this paper, we examine how novel multi-antenna coded caching (CC) techniques can facilitate high-rate low-latency communications and improve users' quality of experience (QoE) in our envisioned multi-user XR scenario. Specifically, we discuss how these techniques make it possible to prioritize the content relevant to wireless bottleneck areas while enabling the cumulative cache memory of the users to be utilized as an additional communication resource. In this regard, we first explore recent advancements in multi-antenna CC that facilitate the efficient use of distributed in-device memory resources. Then, we review how XR application requirements are addressed within the third-generation partnership project (3GPP) framework and how our envisioned XR scenario relates to the foreseen use cases. Finally, we identify new challenges arising from integrating CC techniques into multi-user XR scenarios and propose novel solutions to address them in practice.