Survey on Reference Architecture for Cloud Continuum and Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) in 5G Networks

This study aims to conduct an in depth analysis of Cloud Continuum and Multi Access Edge Computing architectures, with a focus on the importance of reference architectures even in a 5G context by highlighting how these technologies can synergistically enhance processing at the edge of the network. In particular, after identifying the largest number of reference architectures through a comparative analysis, the strengths, contexts and motivations in which one can benefit from its use and the challenges associated with each architecture will be shown for each of them, taking into account several parameters including privacy, modularity, orchestration or integration. Finally, some key use case examples will be explored in order to validate the importance of these technologies.