Applications of polling systems

TL;DR

This survey paper reviews the applications of polling systems, highlighting their capabilities and limitations in real-world scenarios, and aims to serve both researchers and practitioners interested in these models.

Contribution

It emphasizes the practical applications of polling models, complementing existing mathematical analyses with insights into their real-world utility and constraints.

Findings

Polling systems are versatile for various applications.

Limitations exist in modeling complex real-world scenarios.

The survey bridges theory and practice for both academics and practitioners.

Abstract

Since the first paper on polling systems, written by Mack in 1957, a huge number of papers on this topic has been written. A typical polling system consists of a number of queues, attended by a single server. In several surveys, the most notable ones written by Takagi, detailed and comprehensive descriptions of the mathematical analysis of polling systems are provided. The goal of the present survey paper is to complement these papers by putting the emphasis on \emph{applications} of polling models. We discuss not only the capabilities, but also the limitations of polling models in representing various applications. The present survey is directed at both academicians and practitioners.