Enhancing Fog/Edge Computing Education Using Extended Network Simulator Omnet++ (xFogSim)

Fog computing is a technology that brings computing, storage, and networking services closer to devices and systems, aiming to improve speed, efficiency, and data processing capabilities for various applications. The growing importance of fog and edge computing technologies means we need new and better ways to teach students about these areas. This paper offers a detailed guide on how to use xFogSim, an extended version of the Omnet++ network simulator, for teaching fog and edge computing. We give students a clear path to follow, starting with simple network designs and moving to more complex ones, helping them understand how federated learning works. We tested xFogSim with a group of students and found that it really helps them grasp fog and edge computing ideas better than traditional teaching methods. xFogSim also gives practical information about important performance metrics, helping bridge the gap between what students learn in class and what they need to know in the real world. This paper shows that using xFogSim in classrooms gives students a strong base in distributed computing systems, getting them ready for future tech challenges.