Optimal strategy policy in batch arrival queue with server breakdowns and multiple vacations

This paper considers a like-queue production system in which server vacations and breakdowns are possible. The decision-maker can turn a single server on at any arrival epoch or off at any service completion. We model the system by an M^[x]/M/1 queueing system with N policy. The server can be turned off and takes a vacation with exponential random length whenever the system is empty. If the number of units waiting in the system at any vacation completion is less than N, the server will take another vacation. If the server returns from a vacation and finds at least N units in the system, he immediately starts to serve the waiting units. It is assumed that the server breaks down according to a Poisson process and the repair time has an exponential distribution. We derive the distribution of the system size through the probability generating function. We further study the steady-state behavior of the system size distribution at random (stationary) point of time as well as the queue size distribution at departure point of time. Other system characteristics are obtained by means of the grand process and the renewal process. Finally, the expected cost per unit time is considered to determine the optimal operating policy at a minimum cost. The sensitivity analysis is also presented through numerical experiments.     

Optimality of a Threshold Policy in theM/M/ queue with repeated vacations

Consider anM/M/1 queueing system with server vacations where the server is turned off as soon as the queue gets empty. We assume that the vacation durations form a sequence of i.i.d. random variables with exponential distribution. At the end of a vacation period, the server may either be turned on if the queue is non empty or take another vacation. The following costs are incurred: a holding cost ofh per unit of time and per customer in the system and a fixed cost of each time the server is turned on. We show that there exists a threshold policy that minimizes the long-run average cost criterion. The approach we use was first proposed in Blanc et al. (1990) and enables us to determine explicitly the optimal threshold and the optimal long-run average cost in terms of the model parameters.     

An M/G/1 queue under hysteretic vacation policy with an early startup and un-reliable server

This paper considers the bi-level control of an M/G/1 queueing system, in which an un-reliable server operates N policy with a single vacation and an early startup. The server takes a vacation of random length when he finishes serving all customers in the system (i.e., the system is empty). Upon completion of the vacation, the server inspects the number of customers waiting in the queue. If the number of customers is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold m, the server immediately performs a startup time; otherwise, he remains dormant in the system and waits until m or more customers accumulate in the queue. After the startup, if there are N or more customers waiting for service, the server immediately begins serving the waiting customers. Otherwise the server is stand-by in the system and waits until the accumulated number of customers reaches or exceeds N. Further, it is assumed that the server breaks down according to a Poisson process and his repair time has a general distribution. We obtain the probability generating function in the system through the decomposition property and then derive the system characteristics     

Cost optimization of a repairable M/G/1 queue with a randomized policy and single vacation

This paper deals with the (p, N)-policy M/G/1 queue with an unreliable server and single vacation. Immediately after all of the customers in the system are served, the server takes single vacation. As soon as N customers are accumulated in the queue, the server is activated for services with probability p or deactivated with probability (1 − p). When the server returns from vacation and the system size exceeds N, the server begins serving the waiting customers. If the number of customers waiting in the queue is less than N when the server returns from vacation, he waits in the system until the system size reaches or exceeds N. It is assumed that the server is subject to break down according to a Poisson process and the repair time obeys a general distribution. This paper derived the system size distribution for the system described above at a stationary point of time. Various system characteristics were also developed. We then constructed a total expected cost function per unit time and applied the Tabu search method to find the minimum cost. Some numerical results are also given for illustrative purposes.     

A discrete queue with double thresholds policy and its application to SVC systems

A discrete time Geo/Geo/1 queue with (m, N)-policy is considered in this paper. There are three operation periods being considered: high speed, low speed service periods and idle periods. With double thresholds policy, the server begins to take a working vacation when the number of customers is below m after a service and there is one customer in the system at least. What’s more, if the system becomes empty after a service, the server will take an ordinary vacation. Otherwise, high speed service continues if the number of customers still exceeds m after a service. At the vacation completion instant, servers resume their service if the quantity of customers exceeds N. Vacations can also be interrupted when the system accumulate customers more than the prefixed threshold. Using the quasi birth-death process and matrix-geometric solution methods, we derive the stationary queue length distribution and some system characteristics of interest. Based on these, we apply the queue to a virtual channel switching system and present various numerical experiments for the system. Finally, numerical results are offered to illustrate the optimal (m, N)-policy to minimize cost function and obtain practical consequence on the operation of double thresholds policy.     

Notes of M/G/1 system under the {\langle p, T \rangle} policy with second optional service

We optimize the operating cost of the ${\langle p, T \rangle}We optimize the operating cost of the áp, T ?{\langle p, T \rangle} policy for an M/G/1 queueing system with second optional service, where the customer may depart from the system either after the first essential service with probability 1 − r or at the end of the first service may immediately go for a second service with probability r. Moreover, the server takes a vacation of fixed length T if the system becomes empty. If customers are found in the queue after T time units have elapsed since the end of the busy period, the server reactivates with probability p or leaves for a vacation of the same length T with probability 1 − p. Alternatively, if no customers present in the queue upon returning from the vacation, the server leaves for another a vacation of the same length. We call this áp, T ?{\langle p, T \rangle} policy. The total expected cost function per unit time is developed to determine the optimal thresholds of p and T at a minimum cost. Based on the optimal cost the explicit form for joint optimum values of p and T are obtained.     

On M/G/1 system under NT policies with breakdowns,startup and closedown

This paper studies the vacation policies of an M/G/1 queueing system with server breakdowns, startup and closedown times, in which the length of the vacation period is controlled either by the number of arrivals during the vacation period, or by a timer. After all the customers are served in the queue exhaustively, the server is shutdown (deactivates) by a closedown time. At the end of the shutdown time, the server immediately takes a vacation and operates two different policies: (i) The server reactivates as soon as the number of arrivals in the queue reaches to a predetermined threshold N or the waiting time of the leading customer reaches T units; and (ii) The server reactivates as soon as the number of arrivals in the queue reaches to a predetermined threshold N or T time units have elapsed since the end of the closedown time. If the timer expires or the number of arrivals exceeds the threshold N, then the server reactivates and requires a startup time before providing the service until the system is empty. If some customers arrive during this closedown time, the service is immediately started without leaving for a vacation and without a startup time. We analyze the system characteristics for each scheme.     

The performance measures and randomized optimization for an unreliable server M/G/1 vacation system

This paper examines an M^[x]/G/1 queueing system with a randomized vacation policy and at most J vacations. Whenever the system is empty, the server immediately takes a vacation. If there is at least one customer found waiting in the queue upon returning from a vacation, the server will be immediately activated for service. Otherwise, if no customers are waiting for service at the end of a vacation, the server either remains idle with probability p or leaves for another vacation with probability 1 − p. This pattern continues until the number of vacations taken reaches J. If the system is empty by the end of the Jth vacation, the server becomes idle in the system. Whenever one or more customers arrive at server idle state, the server immediately starts providing service for the arrivals. Assume that the server may meet an unpredictable breakdown according to a Poisson process and the repair time has a general distribution. For such a system, we derive the distributions of important system characteristics, such as system size distribution at a random epoch and at a departure epoch, system size distribution at busy period initiation epoch, the distributions of idle period, busy period, etc. Finally, a cost model is developed to determine the joint suitable parameters (p^∗, J^∗) at a minimum cost, and some numerical examples are presented for illustrative purpose.     

A Discrete-Time Single-Server Queueing System Under Multiple Vacations and Setup-Closedown Times

Abstract

This article concerns a Geo/G/1/∞ queueing system under multiple vacations and setup-closedown times. Specifically, the operation of the system is as follows. After each departure leaving an empty system, the server is deactivated during a closedown time. At the end of each closedown time, if at least a customer is present in the system, the server begins the service of the customers (is reactivated) without setup; however, if the system is completely empty, the server takes a vacation. At the end of each vacation, if there is at least a customer in the system, the server requires a startup time (is reactivated) before beginning the service of the customers; nevertheless, if there are not customers waiting in the system, the server takes another vacation. By applying the supplementary variable technique, the joint generating function of the server state and the system length together with the main performance measures are derived. We also study the length of the different busy periods of the server. The stationary distributions of the time spent waiting in the queue and in the system under the FCFS discipline are analysed too. Finally, a cost model with some numerical results is presented.     

Comparison of two randomized policy M/G/1 queues with second optional service, server breakdown and startup

The problem addressed in this paper is to compare the minimum cost of the two randomized control policies in the M/G/1 queueing system with an unreliable server, a second optional service, and general startup times. All arrived customers demand the first required service, and only some of the arrived customers demand a second optional service. The server needs a startup time before providing the first required service until the system becomes empty. After all customers are served in the queue, the server immediately takes a vacation and the system operates the (T, p)-policy or (p, N)-policy. For those two policies, the expected cost functions are established to determine the joint optimal threshold values of (T, p) and (p, N), respectively. In addition, we obtain the explicit closed form of the joint optimal solutions for those two policies. Based on the minimal cost, we show that the optimal (p, N)-policy indeed outperforms the optimal (T, p)-policy. Numerical examples are also presented for illustrative purposes.     

Discrete NT-policy single server queue with Markovian arrival process and phase type service

We consider a discrete time single server queueing system in which arrivals are governed by the Markovian arrival process. During a service period, all customers are served exhaustively. The server goes on vacation as soon as he/she completes service and the system is empty. Termination of the vacation period is controlled by two threshold parameters N and T, i.e. the server terminates his/her vacation as soon as the number waiting reaches N or the waiting time of the leading customer reaches T units. The steady state probability vector is shown to be of matrix-geometric type. The average queue length and the probability that the server is on vacation (or idle) are obtained. We also derive the steady state distribution of the waiting time at arrivals and show that the vacation period distribution is of phase type.     

Batch arrival queue with N-policy and at most J vacations

This paper studies the operating characteristics of an M^[x]/G/1 queueing system with N-policy and at most J vacations. The server takes at most J vacations repeatedly until at least N customers returning from a vacation are waiting in the queue. If no customer arrives by the end of the Jth vacation, the server becomes idle in the system until the number of arrivals in the queue reaches N. We derive the system size distribution at a random epoch and departure epoch, as well as various system characteristics.     

Two thresholds of a batch arrival queueing system under modified T vacation policy with startup and closedown

This paper studies the operating characteristics of the variant of an M^[x]/G/1 vacation queue with startup and closedown times. After all the customers are served in the system exhaustively, the server shuts down (deactivates) by a closedown time, and then takes at most J vacations of constant time length T repeatedly until at least one customer is found waiting in the queue upon returning from a vacation. If at least one customer is present in the system when the server returns from a vacation, then the server reactivates and requires a startup time before providing the service. On the other hand, if no customers arrive by the end of the J th vacation, the server remains dormant in the system until at least one customer arrives. We will call the vacation policy modified T vacation policy. We derive the steady‐state probability distribution of the system size and the queue waiting time. Other system characteristics are also investigated. The long‐run average cost function per unit time is developed to determine the suitable thresholds of T and J that yield a minimum cost. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Optimal Operating Policy for an M/G/1 Exhaustive Server-Vacation Model

We consider an M/G/1 queueing system controlled by an exhaustive server–vacation policy, i.e, the server is turned off whenever the system becomes empty and it is turned on after a random time with at least a customer present in the system. In this paper, it is proved that there exists an exhaustive optimal policy which is of the form X + a(T - X)⁺, where, starting with the server off, X represents the time for the first arrival and T and a are non-negative real numbers. Using a classical average cost structure, the optimization problem is treated under the asymptotic average criterion. A structured definition of exhaustive policy is also derived.     

Optimal control of the N policy M/G/1 queueing system with server breakdowns and general startup times

This paper deals with an N policy M/G/1 queueing system with a single removable and unreliable server whose arrivals form a Poisson process. Service times, repair times, and startup times are assumed to be generally distributed. When the queue length reaches N(N ? 1), the server is immediately turned on but is temporarily unavailable to serve the waiting customers. The server needs a startup time before providing service until there are no customers in the system. We analyze various system performance measures and investigate some designated known expected cost function per unit time to determine the optimal threshold N at a minimum cost. Sensitivity analysis is also studied.     

Cycle analysis of a two-phase queueing model with threshold

We consider a single-server, two-phase queueing system with N-policy. Customers arrive at the system according to a Poisson process and receive batch service in the first phase followed by individual services in the second phase. If the system becomes empty at the moment of the completion of the second-phase services, it is turned off. After an idle period, when the queue length reaches N (threshold), the server is turned on and begins to serve customers. We obtain the system size distribution and show that the system size decomposes into three random variables. The system sojourn time is provided. Analysis for the gated batch service model is also provided. Finally we derive a condition under which the optimal operating policy is achieved.     

A simple approach for analyzing feedback vacation queues with levy input process

We introduce a simple approach for modeling and analyzing a SII/G/I queue where the server may take repeated vacations. Whenever a busy period ends the server takes a vacation of random duration. At the end of each vacation the server may either take a new vacation or resume service; if the queue is found empty the server always takes a new vacation. Furthermore, the queuing system allows Bernoulli feedback of customers. Three classes of service disciplines, random gated, 1-limited and exhaustive, are considered. The random gated service discipline generalizes several known service disciplines. The customers arrival process is assumed to be a Levy process (i.e., satisfies the stationary and independent increments (SII property). We obtain explicit expressions for several performance measures of the system. These performance measures include the mean and second moment of the cycle time, the mean queue length at the beginning of a cycle of service and the expected delay observed by a customer. Furthermore, our analysis provides a uniform method to get several results previously obtained by Baba, Chiarawongse and Sriniwasan, and Takine, Takagi and Hasegawa.     

A modified vacation model M[x]/G/1 system

This paper studies the operating characteristics of an M^[x]/G/1 queueing system under a modified vacation policy, where the server leaves for a vacation as soon as the system is empty. The server takes at most J vacations repeatedly until at least one customer is found waiting in the queue when the server returns from a vacation. We derive the system size distribution at different points in time, as well as the waiting time distribution in the queue. Further, we derive some important characteristics including the expected length of the busy period and idle period. This shows that the results generalize those of the multiple vacation policy and the single vacation policy M^[x]/G/1 queueing system. Finally, a cost model is developed to determine the optimum of J at a minimum cost. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.