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Optimal use of excess capacity in two interconnected queues

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Abstract

We consider a two-stage tandem queueing network where jobs from station 1 join station 2 with a certain probability. Each job incurs a linear holding cost, different for each station. Each station is attended by a dedicated server, and there is an additional server that is either constrained to serve in station 1 or can serve in both stations. Assuming no switching or other operating costs for the additional server, we seek an allocation strategy that minimizes expected holding costs. For a clearing system we show that the optimal policy is characterized by a switching curve for which we provide a lower bound on its slope. We also specify a subset of the state space where the optimal policy can be explicitly determined.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Thessaly, Pedion Areos, 38334, Volos, Greece

    Dimitrios G. Pandelis

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  1. Dimitrios G. Pandelis
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Correspondence to Dimitrios G. Pandelis.

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Pandelis, D.G. Optimal use of excess capacity in two interconnected queues. Math Meth Oper Res 65, 179–192 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00186-006-0112-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00186-006-0112-2

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