GenioSim: A Novel Simulation Platform for Edge Computing over Optical Networks
2026-05-11 • Networking and Internet Architecture
Networking and Internet ArchitectureSoftware Engineering
AI summaryⓘ
The authors created GenioSim, a new simulation tool to study networks that combine Passive Optical Networks (PONs) with edge computing. These networks use devices called OLTs and ONTs not just for internet connections but also as small local computers. Because building real versions for testing is hard and expensive, GenioSim helps researchers try out different setups in a virtual environment. It can mimic how these devices work, manage different types of virtual machines, and test various ways to handle computing tasks. The authors showed that GenioSim can help decide the best ways to plan and run these networks in real-world situations.
Passive Optical Network (PON)Optical Line Terminal (OLT)Optical Network Terminal (ONT)Edge ComputingVirtualizationContainerVirtual Machine (VM)Task OffloadingSimulation PlatformResource Management
Authors
Carmine Cesarano, Alessio Foggia, Roberto Natella
Abstract
The convergence of Passive Optical Networks (PONs) and edge computing creates new opportunities: Optical Line Terminals (OLTs) and Optical Network Terminals (ONTs) can be repurposed as low-latency edge compute nodes for offloading workloads. However, exploring such design options early in the development cycle is costly and time-consuming, as prototyping requires specialized hardware and realistic traffic conditions. Simulation becomes essential, yet current tools are unable to accurately model this emerging class of systems. To address these gaps, we introduce GenioSim, a simulation platform for hierarchical PON-enabled edge infrastructures. It models OLTs and ONTs with realistic PON behavior, supports hybrid container- and VM-based virtualization, and provides multiple service and execution models. These capabilities enable the evaluation of resource management policies under complex, heterogeneous conditions. We present experiments in the context of use cases of industrial relevance, to show GenioSim can provide insights for capacity planning and for the choice of policies for container placement and task offloading in PON-enabled edge infrastructures.