A Survey on Open-Source Edge Computing Simulators and Emulators: The Computing and Networking Convergence Perspective
Jianpeng Qi, Chao Liu, Xiao Zhang, Lei Wang, Rui Wang, Junyu Dong, Yanwei Yu
TL;DR
The paper tackles the challenge of validating CNC (computing and networking convergence) ideas in edge contexts by surveying open-source edge simulators and emulators. It systematically classifies tools into packet-level, application-level, and emulators, and evaluates them across five dimensions, drawing on a GitHub-based corpus of over 40 tools. The authors provide a multi-dimensional comparison, identify paradigm-specific strengths and the growing importance of multi-paradigm platforms, and propose five future directions: integrating computing paradigms, enabling packet-level processing in application-level tools, simulating edge environments, supporting user-defined metrics, and improving scenario scripting and visualization. The work aims to guide researchers in tool selection and to catalyze the development of more capable, integrated CNC simulation/emulation environments with practical impact for edge computing research and validation.
Abstract
Edge computing, with its low latency, dynamic scalability, and location awareness, along with the convergence of computing and communication paradigms, has been successfully applied in critical domains such as industrial IoT, smart healthcare, smart homes, and public safety. This paper provides a comprehensive survey of open-source edge computing simulators and emulators, presented in our GitHub repository (https://github.com/qijianpeng/awesome-edge-computing), emphasizing the convergence of computing and networking paradigms. By examining more than 40 tools, including CloudSim, NS-3, and others, we identify the strengths and limitations in simulating and emulating edge environments. This survey classifies these tools into three categories: packet-level, application-level, and emulators. Furthermore, we evaluate them across five dimensions, ranging from resource representation to resource utilization. The survey highlights the integration of different computing paradigms, packet processing capabilities, support for edge environments, user-defined metric interfaces, and scenario visualization. The findings aim to guide researchers in selecting appropriate tools for developing and validating advanced computing and networking technologies.