Optimal Prediction of Times and Queue Lengths in the M/G/1 Queue

This paper presents optimal mean-square predictors for several variables in a FIFO M/G/1 queue. In particular, conditional expectation predictors are derived for the number in the queue, time in the queue, and the waiting time, with a previous number in the queue as the basis for the prediction. The relationships between the predictors are derived, and the basic properties are illustrated with examples.