What does URLLC stand for and what is its main application?

URLLC stands for Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication. Its primary application is in scenarios that demand both high reliability and minimal delay in communication. Remote surgery exemplifies a critical application for URLLC because it requires real-time data transmission without interruptions or delays. This ensures that surgeons can perform procedures over a distance with immediate responsiveness, which is vital for patient safety and successful outcomes.

The other applications mentioned, such as cloud computing, smart homes, and game streaming, may benefit from low latency, but they do not typically require the same level of ultra-reliability as remote surgery. In these cases, while low latency is important, the stakes may not be as high since delays or reliability issues don't usually impact human life or critical tasks in the same manner. This emphasis on reliability and minimal latency is what distinctly fosters the relevance of URLLC in fields like telemedicine and automated driving, where performance can have significant real-world consequences.