Editorial: Advancements in Web3 Infrastructure for the Metaverse

Web3, also known as Web 3.0, has recently been attracting increasing attention from industry and academia. Leveraging the potential of blockchain technologies, Web3 has emerged as a pivotal foundation in the realm of metaverse development, which is considered by many as the next-generation Internet. Specifically, Web3 technologies such as smart contracts and protocols like non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have supported the immersive and content-rich experience of current Web3 metaverse projects. In addition, decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) based on Web3 technologies has built the prototype of the future virtual society. Besides, many advanced breakthroughs in Web3 infrastructure for the metaverse have become accessible to the general public. Despite its significance, Web3 encounters several technical challenges that require attention, such as enhancing network and communication capabilities, designing efficient consensus protocols, and addressing human-centric factors in system designs and evaluations. Moreover, as an infrastructure for the metaverse, there are many research topics that are imperative to be addressed. For example, the existing NFT standards cannot well satisfy the interoperability and scalability of digital assets in the Web3 metaverse; the tokenomics system in the Web3 metaverse needs better token liquidity and balancing; the virtual identity in the Web3 metaverse is facing challenges of privacy and security. Therefore, the current development of Web3 infrastructure for the metaverse is still in its early stage, and several research directions are waiting for further study. This special issue of ZTE Communications aims to explore the state-of-the-art development in Web3 infrastructure dedicated to empowering the metaverse.

In this editorial, we will navigate through the key themes and insights offered by the accepted papers, each contributing a unique perspective to the ongoing discourse surrounding Web3 infrastructure for the metaverse.

The first paper titled “Building a Stronger Foundation for Web3: The Advantages of 5G Infrastructure” delves into the multifaceted advantages of integrating 5G into the fabric of Web3. By leveraging its advancements in network speed, edge computing, capacity, security, and power efficiency, the authors underscore how 5G offers a robust foundation for the decentralized future of the internet. Through a comprehensive technical review, they elucidate the symbiotic relationship between 5G infrastructure and the transformative potential of Web3 technologies, laying the groundwork for enhanced user experiences and seamless connectivity within the metaverse.

The second paper titled “MetaOracle: A High-Throughput Decentralized Oracle for Web3.0-Empowered Metaverse” presents a pioneering approach to addressing the challenges associated with decentralized oracles in the Web3 metaverse. This paper introduces MetaOracle, a novel architecture designed to provide high-throughput, reliable data for blockchain-based applications. By leveraging a Multi-Identifier Network (MIN) framework, MetaOracle mitigates risks associated with data integrity, offering increased reliability and throughput crucial for the seamless operation of Web3 metaverse applications. Through experimental validation, the authors demonstrate the efficacy of their approach in enhancing the trustworthiness and efficiency of oracles, thereby catalyzing the development of robust decentralized ecosystems within the metaverse.

In the third paper titled “The Optimization of High-Concurrency Conflict Issues in Execute-Order-Validate Blockchain,” the authors delve into the scalability challenges inherent in blockchain architectures, particularly pertinent in the context of Web3 metaverse applications. Their paper proposes a novel approach based on MIN to address high-concurrency conflict issues in Execute-Order-Validate (EOV) blockchains. Through a meticulous analysis of consensus protocols and transaction processing mechanisms, the authors highlight the scalability and reliability benefits of their proposed architecture. Through empirical evaluation, they demonstrate significant enhancements in throughput and reliability, laying the groundwork for a more efficient and scalable Web3 infrastructure capable of supporting the diverse demands of the metaverse ecosystem.

The fourth paper titled “Utilizing Certificateless Cryptography for IoT Device Identity Authentication Protocols in Web3” proposes a decentralized authentication protocol tailored for IoT devices within the Web3 metaverse. This paper introduces a novel approach that integrates certificateless cryptography and physically unclonable functions to ensure robust security and privacy in the Internet of Things (IoT) networks. By leveraging blockchain technology, the proposed protocol distributes authentication services to edge authentication gateways and servers, mitigating risks associated with centralization and single points of failure. Through a comprehensive analysis of security threats and attack vectors, the authors demonstrate the effectiveness of their protocol in safeguarding the integrity and confidentiality of IoT device identities within the evolving landscape of the metaverse.

The fifth paper titled “Hierarchical Federated Learning Architectures for the Metaverse” explores the paradigm of Hierarchical Federated Learning (HFL) as a distributed machine learning approach ideally suited for the metaverse environment. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of existing federated learning architectures and proposes a three-layer client-edge-cloud architecture tailored for the unique requirements of the metaverse. By leveraging hierarchical organization and edge computing capabilities, HFL offers scalability and privacy-preserving properties crucial for collaborative learning within decentralized environments. Through empirical evaluation and case studies, the authors highlight the potential of HFL to enable collaborative learning and knowledge sharing within the metaverse, paving the way for innovative applications and services.

Collectively, these contributions epitomize the interdisciplinary nature of Web3 infrastructure research, spanning advanced networking technologies, decentralized architectures, security mechanisms, and machine learning paradigms. As we delve deeper into the possibilities of the metaverse, it becomes evident that collaboration and innovation are paramount in realizing its full potential. Looking ahead, the journey towards a fully realized Web3 metaverse is fraught with challenges and opportunities alike. From enhancing network scalability to fostering inclusive and privacy-preserving ecosystems, the road ahead demands concerted efforts from researchers, developers, and industry stakeholders.

As guest editors, we extend our gratitude to the authors for their invaluable contributions and insights, as well as to the reviewers for their meticulous evaluations. We are also grateful for the conscientious and timely support of the staff of the ZTE Communications editorial office. We hope that this special issue serves as a catalyst for further exploration and collaboration in the dynamic landscape of Web3 infrastructure for the metaverse. Together, let us embark on this transformative journey towards a decentralized, interconnected, and immersive digital future.