Computer Networks and Systems

This self-contained text, intended for a first course in performance evaluation, covers all aspects of queueing theory. It starts by introducing readers to the terminology and usefulness of queueing theory. Chapter 2 then covers Markovian queues in equilibrium, Little's Law, reversibility, transient analysis and computation and the M/G/I queueing system. Chapter 3 begins with coverage of the product form solution for networks of queues. A new algebraic topological explanation of its existence is presented. The chapter concludes with three case studies of distributed queueing networks arising in industrial applications. Chapter 4 explains numerical solution techniques, such as the convolution algorithm and mean value analysis, along with complete worked examples. The Panacea technique, discrete time queueing systems and simulation are also discussed. The last chapter describes the new area of stochastic Petri networks. An appendix reviews probability theory and an annotated set of references is provided. The manuscript contains useful exercises at the end of each chapter, and the solutions manual is available from the author upon request.