Networks of queues

INTRODUCTION

Many important operational issues in communication and manufacturing systems concern random movements of discrete quantities in networks of service stations with queueing. Examples of such queueing networks are:

• Computer and telecommunications networks — data packets, read/write transactions, files, or telephone calls move among computers, buffers, operators or switching stations;

• Manufacturing networks — parts, orders, or material move among work stations, inspection points, AGVs or storage areas;

• Equipment maintenance networks — parts or sub-systems move among usage sites and repair facilities;

• Logistics and supply-chain networks — parts, material, personnel, trucks or equipment move among sources, storage depots and production facilities; and

• Parallel simulation and distributed processing systems — messages, data packets and signals move among buffers and processors.

Other areas in which queueing networks arise include biology (movements of animals, fish or diseases)...