A new method for approximating blocking probability in overflow loss networks

Abstract

In this paper, we present a new approximation for estimating blocking probability in overflow loss networks and systems. Given a system for which an estimate of blocking probability is sought, we first construct a second system to act as a surrogate for the original system. Estimating blocking probability in the second system with Erlang's fixed point approximation (EFPA) provides a better estimate for blocking probability in the original system than if we were to use the conventional approach of directly using EFPA in the original system. We present a combination of numerical and theoretical results that indicate our new approximation offers a better estimate than EFPA for a certain pure ov..