A Survey on Cloud and Edge Computing:

Challenges, Benefits, and Applications

Nader Ahmed
Department of Computer Science & Engineering
Anjuman Institute of Technology & Management
Bhatkal, Karnataka, India
[email protected]

Abstract— Cloud computing and edge computing are two addresses these limitations by decentralizing data processing.
distinct approaches to processing and storing data. Cloud By handling computations locally, edge computing reduces
computing relies on a centralized infrastructure where data is data transmission to centralized servers, lowers bandwidth
managed and processed on remote servers, while edge usage, and ensures faster responses, especially for latency-
computing operates as a distributed model, processing data sensitive applications like autonomous vehicles, industrial
closer to the source at the network’s edge. Each model has its automation, and healthcare monitoring systems [2-9].
strengths and weaknesses, making them suitable for different
use cases. This article provides a comprehensive comparison of
cloud and edge computing, focusing on their technologies,
applications, and key differences. Cloud computing has become This article also examines the advantages and challenges
the go-to solution for handling large-scale data due to its associated with both computing models. Cloud computing
scalability and efficiency, while edge computing is gaining excels in scenarios requiring high computational power and
traction for its ability to reduce latency and process data locally. massive storage capabilities, but it may face limitations in
We discuss the advantages and challenges of both technologies, real-time processing due to geographical distances between
including security concerns, connectivity requirements, and users and centralized data centres [4-8]. Meanwhile, edge
their practical applications in industries such as healthcare, computing enables real-time analytics, supports data privacy
transportation, and manufacturing. The review also explores by keeping sensitive information closer to the source, and
the potential benefits of integrating cloud and edge computing enhances resilience in environments with intermittent
to create hybrid solutions tailored to specific needs. This connectivity. However, implementing edge computing can
discussion offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of pose challenges, such as higher infrastructure costs, limited
these technologies and their transformative impact across processing power on edge devices, and increased management
various sectors. complexity [1-7].
Keywords— Edge Computing, Cloud Computing

I. INTRODUCTION Furthermore, the article explores the growing trend of

integrating cloud and edge computing to create hybrid
Cloud computing and edge computing are two prominent solutions. These solutions aim to leverage the scalability and
approaches to data processing and storage, each with distinct robustness of cloud computing while benefiting from the low-
methodologies and applications. Cloud computing is built on latency, real-time capabilities of edge computing [10]. For
a centralized infrastructure, where data is managed, processed, example, in healthcare, hybrid systems can process critical
and stored in remote servers, often located in large-scale data data locally for immediate decision-making while storing non-
centers. This model provides significant scalability and critical information in the cloud for long-term analysis. In
efficiency, making it ideal for handling vast amounts of data transportation, hybrid approaches can optimize fleet
and supporting complex, resource-intensive tasks [1]. In management by processing data from IoT sensors locally and
contrast, edge computing follows a distributed model, leveraging cloud analytics for predictive maintenance [6].
processing data closer to its source, typically at the network’s
edge or on local devices. This approach reduces latency and
enhances real-time responsiveness, which is crucial for By combining the strengths of both paradigms, hybrid
applications requiring immediate data processing [1-4]. Both solutions are poised to address the diverse needs of modern
paradigms offer unique advantages and face specific applications, offering tailored approaches for specific
challenges, making them suitable for different use cases and industries. This review provides valuable insights into the
industries. evolving landscape of cloud and edge computing
technologies, highlighting their transformative potential in
sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation.
This article offers a comprehensive analysis of cloud and It also emphasizes the importance of addressing challenges
edge computing, delving into their core technologies, like security concerns, connectivity requirements, and
applications, and key differences. Cloud computing has infrastructure management to maximize the benefits of these
established itself as the go-to solution for managing large- technologies [7-9].
scale data due to its centralized architecture, which allows for
cost-effective scalability, resource pooling, and robust disaster
recovery mechanisms [5-6]. However, the reliance on remote Through this analysis, the article aims to contribute to the
servers can introduce challenges such as high latency, understanding of these computing models and their future
increased bandwidth consumption, and dependency on stable trajectories, offering a roadmap for researchers, practitioners,
internet connectivity [3]. On the other hand, edge computing
and industry leaders to navigate their implementation access control, and advanced authentication mechanisms have
effectively. been implemented to mitigate these vulnerabilities.
III. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS OF CLOUD AND EDGE
TECHNOLOGY
II. RELATED WORKS
Cloud computing and edge computing have emerged as
The article [11] delves into the trends of cloud and edge
transformative technologies, reshaping how data is processed,
computing, focusing on their roles within broader
stored, and utilized. Their applications span various industries,
technological paradigms such as fog computing and the
leveraging their unique strengths to address modern
Internet of Things (IoT). Leveraging data from scientific
technological needs. Below is an exploration of practical
investigations, the study highlights the challenges in fully
applications for each paradigm.
grasping the distinctions and synergies among these
paradigms. According to the authors in [12-13], a comparative Applications of Cloud Computing:-
analysis of edge and cloud computing reveals significant
insights into their performance capabilities, data filtering A. Data Storage and Management
mechanisms, and potential integration. The findings suggest Cloud platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, and
that a hybrid approach, combining the strengths of both OneDrive have revolutionized data storage by offering
paradigms, could dominate future technological landscapes. scalable, cost-effective solutions accessible from anywhere.
The study also emphasizes the importance of further research These platforms cater to individuals, businesses, and
into anomaly detection and alert systems tailored for sectors governments alike, ensuring data security and efficient
like manufacturing, mining, and transportation. management [15].
B. Software as a Service (SaaS)
Similarly, the articles [2-4] compare fog computing, SaaS applications such as Salesforce, Microsoft Office
cloudlets, and mobile-edge computing using theoretical 365, and Google Workspace streamline business operations
models involving node devices, context awareness, and access by providing cloud-based tools that eliminate the need for on-
mechanisms. These studies underscore the lack of premise installations. They are highly accessible, require
standardization across these technologies despite their minimal maintenance, and reduce infrastructure costs [14-16].
inherent differences, which limits their seamless integration C. Big Data Analytics
and broader applicability.
Cloud computing plays a pivotal role in big data analytics
by providing the computational power and scalability required
to process vast datasets. Platforms like Amazon AWS,
Applications of Cloud Computing
Microsoft Azure HDInsight, and Google BigQuery enable
Cloud computing is widely adopted across industries, industries to derive actionable insights from their data [6].
celebrated for its scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness
D. Disaster Recovery and Backup
[5]. A notable application of cloud computing lies in data
storage and management. Cloud-based solutions like Cloud solutions offer reliable disaster recovery systems,
Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive have revolutionized ensuring data integrity and availability during disruptions.
how individuals and organizations store and access data. This application is especially critical for businesses that
Another transformative application is in software delivery handle sensitive or mission-critical data.
through Software as a Service (SaaS) platforms. Tools such as E. Healthcare
Salesforce, Microsoft Office 365, and Google Apps have
gained immense popularity due to their user-friendly Cloud computing supports telemedicine, patient record
interfaces, accessibility, and cost advantages [6]. management, and medical research by enabling centralized
storage and secure sharing of sensitive health information. It
fosters collaboration among healthcare providers globally.
In the domain of Big Data Analytics, cloud computing has F. E-Commerce and Retail
enabled the processing of vast datasets that traditional
Online retailers use cloud platforms to manage inventory,
methods can no longer handle efficiently. Services like
optimize supply chains, and personalize customer experiences
Amazon Web Services (AWS) Elastic MapReduce (EMR),
through data-driven insights. Cloud-based CRMs and ERP
Microsoft Azure HDInsight, and Google Big Query offer
systems further streamline operations.
scalable solutions tailored to the growing data demands of
businesses, governments, and individuals [7-8].

The article [9] provides a comprehensive examination of

cloud computing challenges, particularly focusing on resource
management, security, privacy, and performance
optimization. Efficient resource allocation remains a pressing
concern, with numerous algorithms proposed to optimize
utilization while ensuring fairness among users. Security and
privacy are also critical issues due to the inherent risks of
storing data on remote servers. Solutions such as encryption,
Fig. 1: Cloud computing environment
 Hybrid Applications: -
Applications of Edge Computing: The integration of cloud and edge computing offers even
more advanced applications. For instance:
A. Internet of Things (IoT)
Edge computing optimizes IoT networks by processing
data closer to the source, reducing latency and bandwidth i. Content Delivery Networks (CDNs): CDNs
usage. For example, smart home devices like thermostats and combine cloud storage and edge processing to
security cameras leverage edge computing to enable real-time deliver content rapidly by caching data closer to
control and monitoring [5][6]. end users.
ii. Smart Healthcare Systems: Combining the cloud
for data storage and edge computing for real-time
B. Autonomous Vehicles analysis enables efficient patient care and
Autonomous cars rely on edge computing to process data centralized record management.
from sensors and cameras in real-time, ensuring safe
navigation and decision-making without relying solely on iii. Energy Grids: Smart energy grids use edge
cloud connectivity. computing for local decision-making and cloud
computing for long-term data analysis and
storage.
C. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
Edge computing powers AR and VR applications by
reducing latency and improving responsiveness. This is IV. CLOUD COMPUTING ARCHITECTURE
crucial for gaming, training simulations, and immersive Cloud computing architecture consists of two primary
experiences. elements: frontend and backend, connected through a
network, commonly the internet [1], [3]. The architecture's
structure and components are shown in Fig. 2.
D. Smart Cities
Edge computing supports smart city initiatives by enabling
efficient traffic management, waste collection, and public
safety systems. Real-time data processing at the edge allows
for responsive urban planning and resource allocation.

E. Manufacturing and Industry 4.0

In manufacturing, edge computing is used for predictive
maintenance, quality control, and real-time monitoring of
production lines. By analyzing data at the edge, factories can
prevent downtime and improve operational efficiency [2].
F. Healthcare
Edge computing supports wearable health devices and Fig.2: Cloud computing architecture.
remote patient monitoring systems by processing health data
locally. This ensures timely alerts for critical conditions and
reduces dependence on centralized systems. A. Frontend Element
The frontend represents the client-facing portion of the
cloud system. It includes interfaces and applications that
G. Retail enable users to access cloud services, such as web browsers
Retailers use edge computing for real-time inventory and mobile applications [1], [3].
tracking, personalized customer interactions, and faster B. Backend Element
payment processing. These applications enhance customer
The backend forms the core of the cloud infrastructure
experiences and operational efficiency.
and includes several key components [10]:

i. Applications: Backend software that handles

client requests for cloud services.
ii. Cloud Runtime Environment: A virtualized
layer employing techniques to create software-
based resources like servers, storage, and
networks, which are delivered as services [4].

Fig.2: Edge computing environment

 iii. Storage: Data repositories for various types, source. It addresses real-time processing needs in fields like
including files, backups, database snapshots, and IoT, autonomous vehicles, and augmented reality. Despite its
other application-critical data. advantages, edge computing faces challenges such as limited
iv. Infrastructure: Physical resources such as resources, energy efficiency, and the lack of standardization.
servers, storage devices, and networking Solutions like deploying advanced task scheduling
hardware [10]. algorithms, implementing energy-efficient hardware, and
v. Management Component: Responsible for adopting unified standards for edge device interoperability
monitoring client requests, application can help overcome these issues.
deployment, and network activity. Middleware
within this component enables communication A promising path forward lies in integrating cloud and edge
between interconnected parts of the system [1]. computing into hybrid architectures. This combination allows
vi. Security: Incorporates advanced mechanisms to organizations to harness the strengths of both paradigms:
safeguard data integrity, privacy, and access. leveraging the cloud's scalability for data-intensive tasks
while utilizing edge computing for time-sensitive operations.
V. EDGE COMPUTING ARCHITECTURE Hybrid approaches also enhance reliability, optimize
The architecture comprises several essential resource utilization, and provide a more secure framework by
components that work together to enable efficient processing sensitive data locally while offloading less critical
and localized data processing: workloads to the cloud.

i. Edge Devices: These are the endpoints in the In conclusion, the convergence of cloud and edge computing
network, such as IoT devices, smart sensors, or is essential to address the diverse demands of modern
mobile devices, that generate or collect data. They applications. By understanding their complementary roles
often perform preliminary data processing tasks, and addressing their individual challenges, organizations can
like filtering or aggregation [5], [7]. unlock the full potential of these technologies, paving the way
ii. Edge Gateways: These act as intermediaries for innovative solutions across industries.
between edge devices and the cloud. Gateways
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