Bulk Queues: An Overview

In this article we present an overview on the contributions of the researchers in the area of bulk queues with their applications in several realistic queueing situations such as in communication networks, transportation systems, computer systems, manufacturing and production systems and so forth. The concept of bulk queues has gained a tremendous significance in recent time; mainly due to congestion problem faced in communication / computer networks, industrial/ manufacturing system and even in handling of air, land and water transportation. A number of models have been developed in the area of queueing theory incorporating bulk queueing models to resolve the congestion problems. Through this survey, an attempt has been made to review the work done on bulk queues under different context such as unreliable server, control policy, vacation, etc. The methodological aspects have been described. We provide a brief survey and related bibliography of some notable contributions done in the area of bulk queueing systems.