APPLICATION OF QUEUING THEORY FOR AVAILABILITY ASSESSMENT IN AIRSPACE CONTROL SYSTEMS

This paper provides useful information to build availability models for computer systems used in airspace control centers, based on analytical models provided by queuing theories. A general model is first presented, referencing a published case study, where the authors described the use of queuing models to establish availability parameters related to a data center operation and its management issues. In addition, some considerations are introduced to extend this general model in order to propose its application for the specific computer systems used in integrated airspace control centers, where operational control could depend on human controllers, responsible for civil air traffic control or military air defense operations. This model could also be applicable where process controls require intensive use of human-machine interfaces (HMI). From this study, further extensions could be also developed, intended to similar applications on other specific cases of process control computer systems