Probability, Stochastic Processes, and Queueing Theory: The Mathematics of Computer Performance Modeling [Hardcover]

Randolph Nelson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0387944524 | ISBN-13: 978-0387944524 | Publication Date: 1995

This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to probability and stochastic processes, and shows how these subjects may be applied in computer performance modelling. The author's aim is to derive the theory in a way that combines its formal, intuitive, and applied aspects so that students may apply this indispensable tool in a variety of different settings. Readers are assumed to be familiar with elementary linear algebra and calculus, including the concept of limit, but otherwise this book provides a self-contained approach suitable for graduate or advanced undergraduate students. The first half of the book covers the basic concepts of probability including expectation, random variables, and fundamental theorems. In the second half of the book the reader is introduced to stochastic processes. Subjects covered include renewal processes, queueing theory, Markov processes, and reversibility as it applies to networks of queues. Examples and applications are drawn from problems in computer performance modelling.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 583 pages
• Publisher: Springer (1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0387944524
• ISBN-13: 978-0387944524
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.8 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,164,887 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive and systematic., December 17, 2000

By 

"lai-wa" (Kowloon, Hong Kong) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Probability, Stochastic Processes, and Queueing Theory: The Mathematics of Computer Performance Modeling (Hardcover)

This book is suitable for my graduate studies on computer performance. The author directs us from combinatorics, distribution theory, queue theory to queueing networks in a systematic way. I have read the book at ease for its stepwise elaboration of concepts. However, I have also read with hardship as it requires the readers to possess a good command of mathematics, both pure and applied, in order to go through the book.

For a mathematics graduate studying computer networks, I recommend this book. A novice or a mediocrity should pay more patience to read if not yet at a loss.

This book has aroused my interest and eagerness to know more about computer performance from the viewpoint of queueing and networking. In a word, I enjoy reading this book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book, March 23, 2007

By 

Said Zaghloul (Montreal, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Probability, Stochastic Processes, and Queueing Theory: The Mathematics of Computer Performance Modeling (Hardcover)

This book provides an excellent introduction to Discrete Distributions and their relationships in a sense that goes beyond the classical presenation in other text books. It has excellent introductory chapters on Markov Processes and Matrix Geormetric Systems. I think this book is a great book that can help in courses in Queuing and probability theory.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great reference for probability and related studies., March 11, 2005

By 

Patrick Lam (Hong Kong) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Probability, Stochastic Processes, And Queueing Theory (Hardcover)

I have not really read this book chapter by chapter, but I always found in this book the information I needed. I initially borrowed this book from library, only to find that I simply need this book to be on my shelf for convenient reference whenever I need to understand a concept or analysis I come across somewhere else!
I only use this book as a reference, but it is a good one. I do not give it 5 stars simply because I am not sure whether all the chapters in the book are equally well written. But for the chapters (or pages) I have read, it is a great one.