Quantitative Analysis for Management, 13/e

12.4 Multichannel Queuing Model with Poisson Arrivals and Exponential Service Times (M ∕M ∕m)

The next logical step is to look at a multichannel queuing system, in which two or more servers or channels are available to handle arriving customers. Let us still assume that customers awaiting service form one single line and then proceed to the first available server. An example of such a multichannel, single-phase waiting line is found in many banks today. A common line is formed and the customer at the head of the line proceeds to the first free teller. (Refer to Figure 12.2 for a typical multichannel configuration.)

The multiple-channel system presented here again assumes that arrivals follow a Poisson probability distribution and that service ...