Recent Trends in Network Technologies: A Comprehensive Review

The networking domain is undergoing profound transformation, driven by the rapid maturation of artificial intelligence, edge computing, and advanced virtualization technologies. This review analyzes the major networking trends that have emerged between 2010 and 2025, emphasizing their technological foundations, practical implementation challenges, and long-term implications for the evolution of digital infrastructure. Specifically, it analyzes advances in network function virtualization, AI-enabled network operations, edge computing integration, and the evolution of next-generation connectivity standards. This review highlights the interplay and convergence of these technologies, arguing that their combined adoption is not merely incremental but represents a paradigm shift in network design, deployment, and management. The findings suggest that such convergence has the potential to significantly enhance performance, minimize latency, and strengthen reliability, while addressing the escalating demands of modern digital infrastructure. By emphasizing these intersecting dynamics, the review contributes a forward-looking perspective on the unique opportunities and challenges that will define the next phase of networking innovation.