The multiple server effect: Optimal allocation of servers to stations with different service‐time distributions in tandem queueing networks

Abstract

Traditionally, studies on tandem queueing networks concentrate on systems with infinite buffers, exponential service times, and/or single servers where solutions are more tractable. Less research can be found on more general, less tractable systems. We examine multiple‐server systems with finite buffers and non‐exponential service times, studying the effects of coefficient of variation (cv) of the service‐time distribution on the throughput of these systems, where cv differs among stations.