Networks of Queues

Introduction

Many important operational issues in communication and manufacturing systems concern random movements of discrete units called customers 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 workstations, inspection points, automated guided vehicles or storage areas;

• Equipment maintenance networks — parts or subsystems 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...