# Metaverse Architectures: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of Definitions and Frameworks
## 3 Results
### Thematic Categorisation of Metaverse Architecture
Collectively, these findings highlight a developmental trajectory from simple immersion-focused architectures toward resilient, ethically aware, and interoperable metaverse infrastructures. Technology-based metaverse architectures organise the metaverse around central enabling technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, extended reality, 6G, and digital twins. The architectures highlight the computational infrastructure and networking capabilities necessary for metaverse deployment. For example, [PERSON] et al. [98] and [PERSON] et al. [6] emphasise the infrastructure and computational foundations necessary for metaverse deployment, including cloud-edge computing, data transmission, and immersive interfaces. Likewise, [PERSON] et al. [99] and [PERSON] [100] identify digital twins, blockchain, and IoT as fundamental technologies for metaverse implementation. On the other hand, [PERSON] et al. [101] designed an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) delivery solution for the virtual shopping environment. Although its application is e-commerce, it has been categorised as technology-based due to its structural emphasis on blockchain technology. This underscores the idea that design logic, instead of the specific domain, is the key factor in classification. Table 10 presents a comparative outline of the distinguishing features, underlying technologies, and structural emphases of these models, facilitating a clearer understanding of the influence of technology-driven considerations on architectural conceptualisations in contemporary literature. The literature presents various metaverse architectures proposed for industrial applications, which are summarised in Table 11. For example, [PERSON] et al. [102] developed a framework for metamobility architecture, which encompasses the capability to transport clients across both physical and digital environments, utilising connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) or other mobile entities such as urban air mobility (UAM). These vehicles function as physical conduits for customers to access and interact. Nonetheless, these models typically concentrate on highly specific and limited use cases. \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{l l l} \hline \hline
**Study** & **Layer of Architecture** & **Technology** \\ \hline [PERSON] et al. [98] & AI, Big Data, Blockchain, 6G, Web 3.0, Extended reality, VR, AR, Gateway, Metaverse & Enabling Technologies \\ \hline [PERSON] et al. [101] & Access Layer, Application Layer, Blockchain Layer & Blockchain \\ \hline [PERSON] et al. [99] & IoT Layer, Digital Twins Layer, Extended Reality, Metaverse Manager, Blockchain & Digital Twins and 6G \\ \hline [PERSON] Rad [100] & Physical\(\backslash\)Real World Layer, Link (User Interface) Layer, Metaverse (Digital World) Layer & Digital Twins \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 10: Technology-based metaverse architecture. The architectural categorisation demonstrates a shift from basic, immersion-centric designs to more intricate, modular architectures that integrate governance, scalability, and real-world elements. This evolution signifies the increasing conceptual sophistication of metaverse system design, with a growing focus on cross-domain interoperability, ethical implications, and strong infrastructural integrity. These observations highlight significant conceptual trends and architectural developments that are influencing contemporary metaverse design discussions. Consequently, the themes and classification frameworks outlined herein represent substantive contributions aimed at resolving definitional uncertainties and architectural heterogeneity evident in the current literature.