Buffer allocation in general single-server queueing networks

The optimal buffer allocation in queueing network systems is a difficult stochastic, non-linear, integer mathematical programming problem. Moreover, the objective function, the constraints or both are usually not available in closed form, making the problem even harder. A good approximation for the performance measures is thus essential for a successful buffer allocation algorithm. A recently published two-moment approximation formula to obtain the optimal buffer allocation in general service time single queues is examined in detail, based on which a new algorithm is proposed for the buffer allocation in single-server general service time queueing networks. Computational results and simulation results are shown to evaluate the efficacy of the approach in generating optimal buffer allocation patterns. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.