Semantic-Aware 6G Networking: An Open RAN Vision for AR/VR

Next-generation AR/VR applications demand ultra-reliable and low-latency wireless connectivity, posing significant challenges for current network designs. Semantic communication has emerged as a promising approach to improve efficiency by transmitting meaning instead of raw data; however, its integration with next-generation networks such as the Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN), a key enabler of 6G flexibility and intelligence, remains largely unexplored. This paper proposes a novel semantic-aware 6G O-RAN architecture that embeds semantic encoders, decoders, and knowledge bases within standard O-RAN components, enabling the network to prioritize content based on contextual importance. The proposed approach can enhance a wide range of consumer electronics, including smart glasses, immersive gaming systems, and interactive displays, by delivering contextually optimized content with reduced network demands. Through a proof-of-concept AR/VR streaming scenario, we demonstrate that semantic communication can significantly reduce transmission requirements and latency while preserving perceptual quality, paving the way for intelligent, efficient, and application-aware 6G networks for next-generation consumer devices.