An operational approach to perturbation analysis of closed queuing networks

Perturbation analysis is an efficient method to estimate the sensitivity of performance with respect to parameters for queuing networks. An operational approach to perturbation analysis is developed. Concepts such as realization ratios and their equations are derived in the operational framework. The approach utilizes assumptions which pertain only to the average behaviour of a system in any sample path. Stochastic and operational approaches to queuing networks and their sensitivity analysis are compared. The operational approach is more appropriate for real world problems such as manufacturing systems where the time averages are the primary concern.