Input Modeling with Phase-Type Distributions and Markov Models, 2014 Theory and Applications SpringerBriefs in Mathematics Series

Containing a summary of several recent results on Markov-based input modeling in a coherent notation, this book introduces and compares algorithms for parameter fitting and gives an overview of available software tools in the area. Due to progress made in recent years with respect to new algorithms to generate PH distributions and Markovian arrival processes from measured data, the models outlined are useful alternatives to other distributions or stochastic processes used for input modeling. Graduate students and researchers in applied probability, operations research and computer science along with practitioners using simulation or analytical models for performance analysis and capacity planning will find the unified notation and up-to-date results presented useful. Input modeling is the key step in model based system analysis to adequately describe the load of a system using stochastic models.

The goal of input modeling is to find a stochastic model to describe a sequence of measurements from a real system to model for example the inter-arrival times of packets in a computer network or failure times of components in a manufacturing plant. Typical application areas are performance and dependability analysis of computer systems, communication networks, logistics or manufacturing systems but also the analysis of biological or chemical reaction networks and similar problems. Often the measured values have a high variability and are correlated. It?s been known for a long time that Markov based models like phase type distributions or Markovian arrival processes are very general and allow one to capture even complex behaviors. However, the parameterization of these models results often in a complex and non-linear optimization problem. Only recently, several new results about the modeling capabilities of Markov based models and algorithms to fit the parameters of those models have been published.?

Contains an overview of available open source software tools for parameter fitting of PH distributions and MAPs

Presents a large number of algorithms to fit the parameters of PH distributions or MAPs according to measured traces

Introduces the use of PH distributions and MAPs in stochastic models including simulation models, especially in the network simulator OMNeT++

Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras