An entropy measure of operating performance uncertainty in queues: Markovian examples
by Ercan Tirtiroglu
International Journal of Operational Research (IJOR), Vol. 1, No. 1/2, 2005

Abstract: In information theory, Shannon (1948), entropy function is used to measure message uncertainty and communication channel capacity. Shannon entropy considers the probability distribution of signals transmitted over a given communication channel in its argument of uncertainty. Since the concept of the steady-state of a queue (assuming it obtains) concerns a probability function, it seems logical to consider a connection between entropy and the uncertainty in queueing. Hence, using information-theoretic entropy, and the notions of steady-state (SS), and steady-state distribution (SSD), this paper presents an entropy-based uncertainty metric for measuring the operating performance of (Markovian) queues. M/M1 and M/M/1/k models are used as examples. The proposed method offers the practical value of establishing how good (i.e., dependable) the long-run results for a queue are. This could be valuable for decision-making purposes, especially when alternative models may be available to choose from. A model choice, which has less uncertainty, should be more desirable than one that exhibits high uncertainty, since the latter would experience a more chaotic, more disorderly steady-state and long-run operating behaviour.

Online publication date: Wed, 20-Jul-2005

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Operational Research (IJOR):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

    Username:        Password:         

Forgotten your password?


Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com