Towards a Smart and Sustainable Future with Edge Computing-Powered Internet of Things: Fundamentals, Applications, Challenges, and Future Research Directions

The Internet of Things (IoT) has grown exponentially since its inception, combining many components and systems to enable seamless connectivity and automation. However, conventional centralized cloud computing models employed by many IoT implementations encounter a variety of challenges concerning latency, bandwidth, privacy, and security. Edge computing provides a promising strategy for addressing these shortcomings and fully utilizing IoT. In modern cities, edge computing describes the process of handling and keeping data near network edges. With edge computing, for instance, data from IoT components can be analyzed and processed on time, resulting in automated processes and energy savings. Edge computing in the healthcare sector allows for early diagnosis and improves patient care through remote patient monitoring. Besides this, edge computing is being used in transport to improve traffic flow management by providing effective routing that reduces congestion. This paper examines the advantages and challenges of IoT-enabled edge computing. Furthermore, we outline potential directions for this revolutionary technology. In addition, we discuss how edge computing could contribute to a comprehensive intelligent ecosystem encompassing multiple facets of civilization within the IoT ecosystem.