Edge-Oriented Computing: A Survey on Research and Use Cases

Nour Alhuda Sulieman, Lorenzo Ricciardi Celsi, Wei Li, Albert Zomaya and Massimo Villari
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Nour Alhuda Sulieman: Dipartimento di Scienze Matematiche e Informatiche, Scienze Fisiche e Scienze Della Terra, Università di Messina, Piazza Pugliatti 1, 98122 Messina, Italy
Lorenzo Ricciardi Celsi: ELIS Innovation Hub, via Sandro Sandri 45-81, 00159 Roma, Italy
Wei Li: Centre for Distributed and High Performance Computing, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
Albert Zomaya: Centre for Distributed and High Performance Computing, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
Massimo Villari: Dipartimento di Scienze Matematiche e Informatiche, Scienze Fisiche e Scienze Della Terra, Università di Messina, Piazza Pugliatti 1, 98122 Messina, Italy

Energies, 2022, vol. 15, issue 2, 1-28

Abstract: Edge computing is a distributed computing paradigm such that client data are processed at the periphery of the network, as close as possible to the originating source. Since the 21st century has come to be known as the century of data due to the rapid increase in the quantity of exchanged data worldwide (especially in smart city applications such as autonomous vehicles), collecting and processing such data from sensors and Internet of Things devices operating in real time from remote locations and inhospitable operating environments almost anywhere in the world is a relevant emerging need. Indeed, edge computing is reshaping information technology and business computing. In this respect, the paper is aimed at providing a comprehensive overview of what edge computing is as well as the most relevant edge use cases, tradeoffs, and implementation considerations. In particular, this review article is focused on highlighting (i) the most recent trends relative to edge computing emerging in the research field and (ii) the main businesses that are taking operations at the edge as well as the most used edge computing platforms (both proprietary and open source). First, the paper summarizes the concept of edge computing and compares it with cloud computing. After that, we discuss the challenges of optimal server placement, data security in edge networks, hybrid edge-cloud computing, simulation platforms for edge computing, and state-of-the-art improved edge networks. Finally, we explain the edge computing applications to 5G/6G networks and industrial internet of things. Several studies review a set of attractive edge features, system architectures, and edge application platforms that impact different industry sectors. The experimental results achieved in the cited works are reported in order to prove how edge computing improves the efficiency of Internet of Things networks. On the other hand, the work highlights possible vulnerabilities and open issues emerging in the context of edge computing architectures, thus proposing future directions to be investigated.

Keywords: edge computing; cloud computing; industrial internet of things; mobile edge computing; hybrid edge-cloud (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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