Fog/Edge Computing-based IoT (FECIoT): Architecture, Applications, and Research Issues

Abstract

The Internet-of-Things (IoT) is the future of the Internet, where everything will be connected. Studies have revealed that Fog/Edge Computing (FEC)-based services will play a major role in extending the cloud by carrying out intermediary services at the edge of the network. Fog/Edge Computing-based IoT’s (FECIoT) distributed architecture enhances service provisioning along the Cloud-to-Things continuum, thereby making it suitable for mission-critical applications. Furthermore, the proximity of fog/edge devices to where the data is produced makes it stand-out in terms of resource allocation, service delivery, and privacy. From the business perspective, FECIoT will lead to a boom and spring up of small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), thereby encouraging inclusion for all. To this end, we present a comprehensive survey on state-of-the-art IoT literature over the period 2008-2018 and propose the FECIoT framework which covers the enabling technologies, services, and open research issues. A tutorial approach is employed, progressing from basic to more advanced concepts within the IoT domain. Lastly, we show how FECIoT can be deployed in real-life Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) such as the intelligent transportation system, smart grid, smart health-care, smart homes, and smart environment.