A Survey on Open-Source Edge Computing Simulators and Emulators: The Computing and Networking Convergence Perspective
Journal:
arXiv
Published Date:
May 15, 2025
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.
