Abstract
The rapid proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has generated an unprecedented volume of data, creating significant challenges for traditional centralized cloud computing architectures. Issues such as high latency, bandwidth saturation, and privacy concerns have necessitated a decentralized approach to data processing. Edge computing has emerged as a promising paradigm that brings computation and data storage closer to the location where it is needed, thereby improving response times and optimizing bandwidth usage. This paper provides a comprehensive survey of the integration of edge computing within IoT ecosystems. We analyze the fundamental architecture, discuss enabling technologies such as 5G and containerization, and detail key application scenarios including smart healthcare, industrial automation, and smart cities. Furthermore, we examine critical challenges such as security, resource management, and energy efficiency. Finally, we highlight future research directions in this evolving domain.
