Apache Kafka has become a popular solution for managing networked data streaming in a variety of applications, from industrial to general purpose. This paper systematically surveys the research literature in this field by carefully classifying it into key macro areas, namely algorithms, networks, data, cyber-physical systems, and security. Through this meticulous classification, the paper aims to identify and analyze the optimization aspects relevant to each area, drawing upon practical applications as the basis for analysis. In this respect, the paper synthesizes and consolidates existing knowledge, saving researchers valuable time and effort in searching for relevant information across multiple sources. The tangible benefits of this survey paper include providing a consolidated knowledge base about research-intensive Apache Kafka topics, highlighting practical insights and novel approaches, pointing up cross-domain applications, identifying related research challenges, and serving as a trusted reference for the Apache Kafka community.