Firefly algorithm in optimization of queueing systems

Queueing theory provides methods for analysis of complex service systems in computer systems, communications, transportation networks and manufacturing. It incorporates Markovian systems with exponential service times and a Poisson arrival process. Two queueing systems with losses are also briefly characterized. The article describes firefly algorithm, which is successfully used for optimization of these queueing systems. The results of experiments performed for selected queueing systems have been also presented.

A Continuous-Time Approach to Robbins' Problem of Minimizing the Expected Rank

Let X 1, X 2, …, X n be independent random variables uniformly distributed on [0,1]. We observe these sequentially and have to stop on exactly one of them. No recall of preceding observations is permitted. What stopping rule minimizes the expected rank of the selected observation? What is the value of the expected rank (as a function of n) and what is the limit of this value when n goes to ∞? This full-information expected selected-rank problem is known as Robbins' problem of minimizing the expected rank, and its general solution is unknown. In this paper we provide an alternative approach to Robbins' problem. Our model is similar to that of Gnedin (2007). For this, we consider a continuous-time version of the problem in which the observations follow a Poisson arrival process on ℝ+ × [0,1] of homogeneous rate 1. Translating the previous optimal selection problem in this setting, we prove that, under reasonable assumptions, the corresponding value function w (t) is bounded and Lipschitz continuous. Our main result is that the limiting value of the Poisson embedded problem exists and is equal to that of Robbins' problem. We prove that w (t) is differentiable and also derive a differential equation for this function. Although we have not succeeded in using this equation to improve on bounds on the optimal limiting value, we argue that it has this potential.

A Continuous-Time Approach to Robbins' Problem of Minimizing the Expected Rank

Let X1, X2, …, Xn be independent random variables uniformly distributed on [0,1]. We observe these sequentially and have to stop on exactly one of them. No recall of preceding observations is permitted. What stopping rule minimizes the expected rank of the selected observation? What is the value of the expected rank (as a function of n) and what is the limit of this value when n goes to ∞? This full-information expected selected-rank problem is known as Robbins' problem of minimizing the expected rank, and its general solution is unknown. In this paper we provide an alternative approach to Robbins' problem. Our model is similar to that of Gnedin (2007). For this, we consider a continuous-time version of the problem in which the observations follow a Poisson arrival process on ℝ+ × [0,1] of homogeneous rate 1. Translating the previous optimal selection problem in this setting, we prove that, under reasonable assumptions, the corresponding value function w(t) is bounded and Lipschitz continuous. Our main result is that the limiting value of the Poisson embedded problem exists and is equal to that of Robbins' problem. We prove that w(t) is differentiable and also derive a differential equation for this function. Although we have not succeeded in using this equation to improve on bounds on the optimal limiting value, we argue that it has this potential.

Moment estimation of customer loss rates from transactional data

Moment estimators are proposed for the arrival and customer loss rates of a many-server queueing system with a Poisson arrival process with customer loss via balking or reneging. These estimators are based on the lengths {Sj1} of the initial inter-departure intervals of the busy periods j=1,…,M observed in a dataset consisting of service starting and finishing times and encompassing both busy and idle periods of the process, and whether those busy periods are of length 1 or >1. The estimators are compared with maximum likelihood and parametric model-based estimators found previously.

Light traffic approximations in many-server queues

This paper complements two previous studies (Daley and Rolski (1984), (1991)) by investigating limit properties of the waiting time in k-server queues with renewal arrival process under ‘light traffic' conditions. Formulae for the limits of the probability of waiting and the waiting time moments are derived for the two approaches of dilation and thinning of the arrival process. Asmussen's (1991) approach to light traffic limits applies to the cases considered, of which the Poisson arrival process (i.e. M/G/k) is a special case and for which formulae are given.

Light traffic approximations in many-server queues

This paper complements two previous studies (Daley and Rolski (1984), (1991)) by investigating limit properties of the waiting time in k-server queues with renewal arrival process under ‘light traffic' conditions. Formulae for the limits of the probability of waiting and the waiting time moments are derived for the two approaches of dilation and thinning of the arrival process. Asmussen's (1991) approach to light traffic limits applies to the cases considered, of which the Poisson arrival process (i.e. M/G/k) is a special case and for which formulae are given.