Applying queue theory for modeling of cloud computing: A systematic review

Abstract

SummaryThe cloud computing paradigm is an important service in the Internet for sharing and providing resources in a cost‐efficient way. Modeling of a cloud system is not an easy task because of the complexity and large scale of such systems. Cloud reliability could be improved by modeling the various aspects of cloud systems, including scheduling, service time, wait time, and hardware and software failures. The aim of this study is to survey research studies done on the modeling of cloud computing using the queuing system in order to identify where more emphasis should be placed in both current and future research directions. This paper follows the goal by investigating the articles published between 2008 and January 2017 in journals and conferences. A systematic mapping study combined with a systematic literature review was performed to find the related literature, and 71 articles were selected as primary studies that were classified in relation to the focus, research type, and contribution type. We classified the modeling techniques of cloud computing using the queuing theory in seven categories based on their focus area: (1) performance, (2) quality of service, (3) workflow scheduling, (4) energy savings, (5) resource management, (6) priority‐based servicing, and (7) reliability. A majority of the primary articles focus on performance (37%), 15% of them focus on resource management, 14% of them focus on quality of service, 13% of them focus on workflow scheduling, 13% of them focus on energy savings, 4% of them focus on priority‐based servicing for requests, and 4% of them focus on reliability. This work summarizes and classifies the research efforts conducted on applying queue theory for modeling of cloud computing (AQTMCC), providing a good starting point for further research in this area.