Estimation of Network Disordering Effects by In-depth Analysis of the Resequencing Buffer Contents in Steady-state

Abstract

The paper is devoted to the analytic analysis of resequencing issue, which is common in packet networks, using queueing-theoretic approach. The authors propose the mathematical model, which describes the simplest setting of packet resequencing, but which allows one to make the first step in the in-depth-analysis of the queues dynamics in the resequencing buffer. Specifically consideration is given to N-server queueing system (N > 3) with single infinite capacity buffer and resequencing, which may serve as a model of packet reordering in packet networks. Customers arrive at the system according to Poisson flow, occupy one place in the buffer and receive service from one of the servers, which is exponentially distributed with the same parameter. The order of customers upon arrival has to be preserved upon departure. Customers, which violated the order are kept in resequencing buffer which also has infinite capacity. It is shown that the resequencing buffer can be considered as consisting of n, 1 ≤ n ≤ N −1, interconnected queues, depending on the number of busy servers, with i-th queue containing customers, which have to wait for i service completions before they can leave the system. Recursive algorithm for computation of the joint stationary distribution of the number of customers in the buffer and servers, and each queue in resequencing buffer are being obtained. Numerical examples, which show the dynamics of the characteristics of the queues in resequencing buffer are given.