Edge-Cloud Collaborative Computing on Distributed Intelligence and Model Optimization: A Survey

Edge-cloud collaborative computing (ECCC) has emerged as a pivotal paradigm for addressing the computational demands of modern intelligent applications, integrating cloud resources with edge devices to enable efficient, low-latency processing across distributed communication networks. Recent advancements in AI, particularly deep learning and large language models (LLMs), have dramatically enhanced the capabilities of these networked systems, yet introduce significant challenges in model deployment, network resource management, and cross-layer optimization. In this survey, we comprehensively examine the intersection of distributed intelligence and model optimization within edge-cloud environments, providing a structured tutorial on fundamental architectures, communication protocols, and network-aware computing frameworks. Additionally, we systematically analyze model optimization approaches, including compression, adaptation, and neural architecture search, alongside AI-driven resource management strategies that balance performance, energy efficiency, and communication overhead across heterogeneous networks. We further explore critical aspects of privacy protection and security enhancement within ECCC systems and examine practical deployments through diverse networked applications, spanning autonomous driving, healthcare, and industrial automation. Performance analysis and benchmarking techniques are also thoroughly explored to establish evaluation standards for these complex distributed systems. Furthermore, the review identifies critical research directions including LLMs deployment, 6G integration, neuromorphic computing, and quantum computing, offering a roadmap for addressing persistent challenges in heterogeneity management, real-time processing, and scalability. By bridging theoretical advancements in communications with practical deployments, this survey offers researchers and practitioners a holistic perspective on leveraging AI to optimize distributed computing environments over next-generation communication networks, fostering innovation in intelligent networked systems.