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EP2200 Queuing Theory and Teletraffic Systems 7.5 credits

Course memo Spring 2023-60062

Version 1 – 12/02/2022, 5:33:29 PM

Course offering

Spring 2023-1 (Start date 17/01/2023, English)

Language Of Instruction

English

Offered By

EECS/Computer Science

Course memo Spring 2023

Headings denoted with an asterisk ( * ) is retrieved from the course syllabus version Autumn 2020

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

The classical theory of queueing systems: 

  • Discrete and continuous time Markov chains, birth-death processes, and the Poisson process.
  • Basic terminology of queuing systems, Kendall’s notation and Little’s theorem.
  • Markovian waiting systems with one or more servers, and systems with infinite as well as finite buffers and finite user populations (M/M/).
  • Systems with general service distributions (M/G/1):  the method of stages, Pollaczek-Khinchin mean-value formula and and systems with priority and interrupted service.
  • Loss systems according to Erlang, Engset and Bernoulli.
  • Open and closed queuing networks, Jacksonian networks.

The theory is illustrated by examples from telecommunication and computer communication such as blocking in circuit switched networks, preventive and reactive congestion control, and traffic control for guaranteeing quality of service.

Furthermore, students develop their skills to perform performance analysis of queuing systems and to present the results, using mathematical software and suitable text editors.

Intended learning outcomes

After passing the course, the student should be able to

  • explain the basic theory of Markov-processes and apply the theory to model queuing systems,
  • derive and use analytic models of of Markovian queuing systems, queuing networks and also some simpler non-Markovian systems,
  • explain and use results derived for complex non-Markovian systems,
  • define queuing models of communication or computer systems, and derive the performance of these systems,
  • use adequate tools to present scientific work,

in order to be able to carry out mathematical modeling based performance evaluation of communication, computing, or other resource sharing systems.

Learning activities

Self-study based on video and other on-line material. The self study is a significant part of the course. The students should reserve at least 10 hours per week for self-study.

Lectures in class: to cover and discuss the challening parts of the theory content

Problem solving in class: to discuss numerical examples and previous exam problems

Home assignments:

- two large home assignments to practice probability theory, and basic queuing theory

- several small home assignments to check the understanding of the theory before attending the in class activities

Project: to solve practical modelling problems, to practice the use of mathematical software tools, and to practice scientific writing.

Preparations before course start

Recommended prerequisites

SF1901 Probability Theory and Statistics, or similar. Basic knowledge in networking is helpful, but not mandatory.

Specific preparations

During the course you will have to use Latex (e.g., on Overleaf) and mathmatical software, like Matlab or Mathematica. You should make sure that these run smoothly on your computer.

Literature

All reading material is accessible throguh the course web in Canvas. If you want to use a more advanced book, you can find suggestions in Canvas.

Software

Students will have to use Latex as text editor.

Some math software (e.g., Matlab or Matematica) is needed for the project.

Examination and completion

Grading scale

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Examination

  • INL1 - Assignment, 1.5 credits, Grading scale: P, F
  • TEN1 - Examination, 6.0 credits, Grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

The section below is not retrieved from the course syllabus:

Assignment ( INL1 )

Includes two large home assignments, several small home assignments and a small project. Each of these has to be completed to 75% to pass this examination moment.

Examination ( TEN1 )

The format of the final exam is changed in 2022. There is a short written part, followed by an oral part. 

Other requirements for final grade

Written examination (TEN1;  5 credits) 
Written assignment (INL1;  1.5 credits)

Grading criteria/assessment criteria

Assignments: 75% should be completed in each home assignment, in the project, and across all the small assignments.

Exam: E,D can be achieved with correct and well preseneted written problems. The grade can be increased to C,B,A in the oral part. The written part is compulsory. The oral part is not compulsory.

Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination

As oral examination is included in the final exam, no students will get FX. Supplementary examination is not possible.

Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination

It is allowed to try to raise approved grade in the re-examination period.

Alternatives to missed activities or tasks

Students who did not pass the Assignment moment, but were active throughout the course can receive additional problems to complement.

Reporting of exam results

The results of the Assignments moment are registered within a week after the last deadline.

The results of the final exam, and the final results of the course are registered within three weeks after the final exam.

Ethical approach

  • All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
  • In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
  • In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Further information

Changes of the course before this course offering

The learning activities are changed in this course round. The examination was changed in 2022.

Learning activities: Video recordings are available for all theory and problem solving topics, together with written material. Therefore, a flipped classroom model is followed with significant part of self study and weekly in-class meetings to discuss the challenging parts of the theory and to look at non-trivial numerical problems together. 

Examination:

- To ensure continuous learning,  there are small home assignments for each topic. 

- The final exam consists of a written and an oral part.

Round Facts

Start date

17 Jan 2023

Course offering

  • Spring 2023-60062

Language Of Instruction

English

Offered By

EECS/Computer Science

Contacts

Communication during course

During the course, please contact via mail:

- the course coordinator with questions related to the course content

- the student administration with administrative matters.

You are always very welcome to ask questions before, after and during the class.

You can also post your questions in the Canvas discussion forum.

Course Coordinator

Teachers

Examiner