Edge Computing for Internet of Everything: A Survey

In this era of the Internet of Everything (IoE), edge computing has emerged as the critical enabling technology to solve a series of issues caused by an increasing amount of interconnected devices and large-scale data transmission. However, the deficiencies of edge computing paradigm are gradually being magnified in the context of IoE, especially in terms of service migration, security and privacy preservation, and deployment issues of edge node. These issues can not be well addressed by conventional approaches. Thanks to the rapid development of upcoming technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and microservices, novel and more effective solutions have emerged and been applied to solve existing challenges. In addition, edge computing can be deeply integrated with technologies in other domains (e.g., AI, blockchain, 6G, and digital twin) through interdisciplinary intersection and practice, releasing the potential for mutual benefit. These promising integrations need to be further explored and researched. In addition, edge computing provides strong support in applications scenarios, such as remote working, new physical retail industries, and digital advertising, which has greatly changed the way we live, work, and study. In this article, we present an up-to-date survey of the edge computing research. In addition to introducing the definition, model, and characteristics of edge computing, we discuss a set of key issues in edge computing and novel solutions supported by emerging technologies in IoE era. Furthermore, we explore the potential and promising trends from the perspective of technology integration. Finally, new application scenarios and the final form of edge computing are discussed.