Queueing networks: solutions and applications

During the pasttwo decades queueing network models have proven to be a versatile tool for computer system and computer communication system performance evaluation. This chapter provides a survey of th field with a particular emphasis on applications. We start with a brief historical retrospective which also servesto introduce the majr issues and application areas. Formal results for product form queuenig networks are reviewed with particular emphasis on the implications for computer systems modeling. Computation algorithms, sensitivity analysis and optimization techniques are among the topics covered. Many of the important applicationsof queueing networks are not amenableto exact analysis and an (often confusing) array of approximation methods have been developed over the years. A taxonomy of approximation methods is given and used as the basis for for surveing the major approximation methods that have been studied. The application of queueing network to a number of areas is surveyed, including computer system cpacity planning, packet switching networks, parallel processing, database systems and availability modeling.Durante as últimas duas décadas modelos de redes de filas provaram ser uma ferramenta versátil para avaliação de desempenho de sistemas de computação e sistemas de comunicação. Este capítulo faz um apanhado geral da área, com ênfase em aplicações. Começamos com uma breve retrospectiva histórica que serve também para introduzir os pontos mais importantes e as áreas de aplicação. Resultados formais para redes de filas em forma de produto são revisados com ênfase na modelagem de sistemas de computação. Algoritmos de computação, análise de sensibilidade e técnicas de otimização estão entre os tópicos revistos. Muitas dentre importantes aplicações de redes de filas não são tratáveis por análise exata e uma série (frequentemente confusa) de métodos de aproximação tem sido desenvolvida. Uma taxonomia de métodos de aproximação é dada e usada como base para revisão dos mais importantes métodos de aproximação propostos. Uma revisão das aplicações de redes de filas em um número de áreas é feita, incluindo planejamento de capacidade de sistemas de computação, redes de comunicação por chaveamento de pacotes, processamento paralelo, sistemas de bancos de dados e modelagem de confiabilidade

The evaluation of computer performance by means of state-dependent queueing network models

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Nested Fork-Join Queuing Networks and Their Application to Mobility Airfield Operations Analysis

A single-chain nested fork-join queuing network (FJQN) model of mobility airfield ground processing is proposed. In order to analyze the queuing network model, advances on two fronts are made. First, a general technique for decomposing nested FJQNs with probabilistic forks is proposed, which consists of incorporating feedback loops into the embedded Markov chain of the synchronization station, then using Marie\u27s Method to decompose the network. Numerical studies show this strategy to be effective, with less than two percent relative error in the approximate performance measures in most realistic cases. The second contribution is the identification of a quick, efficient method for solving for the stationary probabilities of the λn/Ck/r/N queue. Unpreconditioned Conjugate Gradient Squared is shown to be the method of choice in the context of decomposition using Marie\u27s Method, thus broadening the class of networks where the method is of practical use. The mobility airfield model is analyzed using the strategies described above, and accurate approximations of airfield performance measures are obtained in a fraction of the time needed for a simulation study. The proposed airfield modeling approach is especially effective for quick-look studies and sensitivity analysis

A comparison of some performance evaluation techniques

In this thesis we look at three approaches to modelling interactive computer systems: Simulation, Operational analysis and Performance-Oriented design. The simulation approach, presented first, is applied to a general purpose, multiprogrammed, machine independent, virtual memory computer system. The model is used to study the effects of different performance parameters upon important performance indices. It is also used to compare or validate the results produced by the other two methods. The major drawback of the simulation model (i.e. its relatively high cost) has been overcome by combining regression techniques with simulation, using simple experimental case studies. Next, operational analysis was reviewed in a hierarchical way (starting by analysing a single-resource queue and ending up by analysing a multi-class customer general interactive system), to study the performance model of general interactive systems. The results of the model were compared with the performance indices produced using the simulation results. The performance-oriented design technique was the third method used for building system performance models. Here, several optimization design problems have been reviewed to minimize the response time or maximize the system throughput subject to a cost constraint. Again, the model results were compared with the simulation results using different cost constraints. We suggest finally, that the above methods should be used together to assist the designer in building computer performance models

Canonical approximation in the performance analysis of distributed systems

The problem of analyzing distributed systems arises in many areas of computer science, such as communication networks, distributed databases, packet radio networks, VLSI communications and switching mechanisms. Analysis of distributed systems is difficult since one must deal with many tightly-interacting components. The number of possible state configurations typically grows exponentially with the system size, making the exact analysis intractable even for relatively small systems. For the stochastic models of these systems, whose steady-state probability is of the product form, many global performance measures of interest can be computed once one knows the normalization constant of the steady-state probability distribution. This constant, called the system partition function, is typically difficult to derive in closed form. The key difficulty in performance analysis of such models can be viewed as trying to derive a good approximation to the partition function or calculate it numerically. In this Ph.D. work we introduce a new approximation technique to analyze a variety of such models of distributed systems. This technique, which we call the method of Canonical Approximation, is similar to that developed in statistical physics to compute the partition function. The new method gives a closed-form approximation of the partition function and of the global performance measures. It is computationally simple with complexity independent of the system size, gives an excellent degree of precision for large systems, and is applicable to a wide variety of problems. The method is applied to the analysis of multihop packet radio networks, locking schemes in database systems, closed queueing networks, and interconnection networks

NBS monograph

From Introduction: "This is the second in a series of reports concerned with research and development requirements and areas of continuing concern in the computer and information sciences and technologies.

NBS monograph

From Introduction: "This is the third in a planned series of reports involving selective literature reviews of research and development requirements and areas of continuing R & D concern in the computer and information sciences and technologies.