This book presents the mathematical foundations (equations, theorems, and proofs) in support of the use of queueing theory models to help predict and explain the performance of computing and networking systems. Such topics as evaluation of systems characteristics, with prioritizations, are handled. Other topics include constructing network response time models, interactive computer system models, and models of computer networks with virtual circuits. The book concludes with a presentation of network flow modeling.

This book provides a well-organized introduction to a complex mathematical subject that is clearly increasingly central to the interpretation and realistic understanding of the performance of computer and network architectures. The authors do not attempt to present an exhaustive discourse on the topic of computer modeling, but instead focus on introducing the application of queueing network theory within data processing and communications systems contexts.

For the systems professional with limited exposure to modeling information systems and with a reasonable background in mathematics, this book offers a clear, well-focused, and efficient presentation of the topic. It provides a worthwhile tutorial on the essentials of queueing theory, and mathematical modeling in general, as used in computer and communications performance analysis.