arXiv:2402.09720v1 Announce Type: new
Abstract: Low latency and high synchronization among users are critical for emerging multi-user virtual interaction applications. However, the existing ground-based cloud solutions are naturally limited by the complex ground topology and fiber speeds, making it difficult to pace with the requirement of multi-user virtual interaction. The growth of low earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations becomes a promising alternative to ground solutions. To fully exploit the potential of the LEO satellite, in this paper, we study the satellite server selection problem for global-scale multi-user interaction applications over LEO constellations. We propose an effective server selection framework, called SpaceMeta, that jointly selects the ingress satellite servers and relay servers on the communication path to minimize latency and latency discrepancy among users. Extensive experiments using real-world Starlink topology demonstrate that SpaceMeta reduces the latency by 6.72% and the interquartile range (IQR) of user latency by 39.50% compared with state-of-the-art methods.
Expert Commentary: The Future of Multi-User Virtual Interaction with LEO Satellites
The article highlights the significance of low latency and high synchronization in multi-user virtual interaction applications, which are crucial for providing a seamless and immersive experience to users. However, the existing ground-based cloud solutions face limitations due to complex ground topology and fiber speeds, making it challenging to meet the requirements of these applications. This paves the way for exploring alternative solutions, such as leveraging low earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations.
LEO satellite constellations offer a promising alternative to ground solutions by providing global coverage and reducing latency issues caused by the constraints of ground-based infrastructure. The article introduces SpaceMeta, an effective server selection framework specifically designed for global-scale multi-user interaction applications over LEO constellations. This framework aims to optimize server selection to minimize latency and latency discrepancies among users.
SpaceMeta takes into account both ingress satellite servers and relay servers on the communication path, ensuring efficient data transmission and reducing latency for enhanced user experience. By jointly selecting these servers, SpaceMeta effectively addresses the challenges posed by multi-user interaction applications in a global context.
The research conducted in this study includes extensive experiments using real-world Starlink topology, demonstrating the effectiveness of SpaceMeta compared to existing state-of-the-art methods. The results indicate a reduction in latency by 6.72% and a significant decrease in the interquartile range (IQR) of user latency by 39.50%, showcasing its potential to enhance the performance of multi-user virtual interaction applications over LEO constellations.
Relevance to Multimedia Information Systems and Virtual Realities
The concepts discussed in this article align with the broader field of multimedia information systems, where real-time communication, low latency, and high synchronization play a crucial role. Multi-user virtual interaction applications heavily rely on multimedia content, including audio, video, and animations, to create immersive virtual environments. The seamless delivery and synchronization of this multimedia content is essential for a seamless user experience.
LEO satellite constellations provide an intriguing solution for overcoming the limitations of traditional ground-based communication infrastructure. By integrating these satellites into the server selection process, SpaceMeta introduces a multi-disciplinary approach combining concepts from satellite communication, network optimization, and multimedia information systems.
The technology behind virtual realities (VR), augmented reality (AR), and artificial reality (AR) can greatly benefit from the advancements discussed in this article. These immersive technologies heavily rely on real-time interactions among users, and any delay or latency can disrupt the user experience. By reducing latency and discrepancies through effective server selection, SpaceMeta can enhance the performance and reliability of these immersive technologies.
Conclusion
The research presented in this article highlights the potential of LEO satellite constellations in addressing the challenges of multi-user virtual interaction applications. Through the development of the SpaceMeta framework, the authors provide a solution that optimizes server selection to minimize latency and improve synchronization among users. This has significant implications for the field of multimedia information systems, as well as virtual realities, augmented reality, and artificial reality technologies.