Semantic Edge Computing and Semantic Communications in 6G Networks: A Unifying Survey and Research Challenges
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Abstract (arXiv)
Semantic Edge Computing (SEC) and Semantic Communications (SemComs) have been proposed as viable approaches to achieve real-time edge-enabled intelligence in sixth-generation (6G) wireless networks. On one hand, SemCom leverages the strength of Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) to encode and communicate the semantic information only, while making it robust to channel distortions by compensating for wireless effects. Ultimately, this leads to an improvement in the communication efficiency. On the other hand, SEC has leveraged distributed DNNs to divide the computation of a DNN across different devices based on their computational and networking constraints. Although significant progress has been made in both fields, the literature lacks a systematic view to connect both fields. In this work, we fulfill the current gap by unifying the SEC and SemCom fields. We summarize the research problems in these two fields and provide a comprehensive review of the state of the art with a focus on their technical strengths and challenges.
Key facts. Cited by 5 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026). Builds on 102 of its 186 references that are in the map. First posted on arXiv 27 Nov 2024.
Builds on
102 of 186 references.
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50 most cited of 102 All 102 (JSON)
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Citing papers per year: 2025: 3; 2026: 2.
5 papers.
- 2025Adaptive Semantic Token Communication for Transformer-based Edge Inferencecited by 14
- 2025Generative AI Meets 6G and Beyond: Diffusion Models for Semantic Communicationscited by 1
- 2025Latent Diffusion Model Based Denoising Receiver for 6G Semantic Communication: From Stochastic Differential Theory to Applicationcited by 0
- 2026Lightweight User-Personalization Method for Closed Split Computingcited by 0
- 2026Semantic Map Sharing and Capability-Aware Coverage Planning for AI-Native 6G Robotic Coordinationcited by 0
- 2026Semantic Map Sharing and Capability-Aware Coverage Planning for AI-Native 6G Robotic Coordination29 Sep 2026
- 2026Lightweight User-Personalization Method for Closed Split Computing16 Mar 2026
- 2025Generative AI Meets 6G and Beyond: Diffusion Models for Semantic Communications11 Nov 2025
- 2025Latent Diffusion Model Based Denoising Receiver for 6G Semantic Communication: From Stochastic Differential Theory to Application6 Jun 2025
- 2025Adaptive Semantic Token Communication for Transformer-based Edge Inference23 May 2025