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.

翻译：无源光网络(PON)与边缘计算的融合创造了新的机遇：光线路终端(OLT)和光网络终端(ONT)可被重新用作低延迟边缘计算节点，用于负载卸载。然而，在开发周期早期探索此类设计选项既昂贵又耗时，因为原型开发需要专用硬件和真实的流量条件。仿真变得至关重要，但现有工具无法准确建模此类新兴系统。为解决这些不足，我们提出了GenioSim——一个面向分层PON边缘基础设施的仿真平台。该平台以真实的PON行为对OLT和ONT进行建模，支持基于容器和虚拟机的混合虚拟化，并提供多种服务与执行模型。这些能力使其能够在复杂异构条件下评估资源管理策略。我们通过工业相关用例的实验表明，GenioSim能够为PON边缘基础设施中的容量规划、容器放置策略选择以及任务卸载提供洞见。