The Internet of Things (IoT) is a sophisticated network of objects embedded with electronic systems that enable devices to collect and exchange data. IoT is a recent trending leading technology and changing the way we live. However, it has several challenges especially efficiency, architecture, complexity, and network topology. The traditional technologies are not enough to provide support. It is evident from the literature that complex networks are used to study the topology and the structure of a network and are applied to modern technologies. Thus, the capability of powerful computational tools and the existence of theoretical frameworks enable complex networks to derive new approaches in analyzing IoT-based technologies in terms of improving efficiency, architecture, complexity, and topology. In this direction, limited research has been carried out. The integration aspect remains a key challenge. Therefore, in order to fill this gap. Herein, we design a comprehensive literature review. In this research effort, we explore a newly leading emerging technology named the Social Internet of Things (SIoT). It is developed to overcome the challenges in IoT. We discuss the importance and the key applications of SIoT. We first presented a conceptual view along with a recent technological roadmap. The big data play an important role in the modern world. We discuss big data and the 5 Vs along with suitable applications and examples. Then, we highlighted the key concepts in complex networks, scale-free, random networks, and small-world networks. We explored and presented various graph models and metrics aligned with social networks and the most recent trends. The novelty of this research is to propose a synergy of complex networks to the IoT, SIoT, and big data together. We discuss the advantages of integration in detail. We present a detailed discussion on complex networks emerging technologies and cyber-physical systems (CPS). Briefly, our literature review covers the most recent advancements and developments in 10 years. In addition, our critical analysis is based on up-to-date surveys and case studies. Finally, we outline the impact of recent emerging technologies on challenges applications, and solutions for the future. This paper provides a good reference for researchers and readers in the IoT domain.
