Queueing Theory

Definition ∞ Queueing theory is a mathematical study of waiting lines or queues, analyzing arrival rates, service times, and system capacity. This analytical discipline provides models for understanding and optimizing systems where entities arrive for service and may have to wait if the service resource is busy. It quantifies metrics such as average waiting time, queue length, and system utilization. Applications range across various operational management and computer science domains.
Context ∞ In blockchain technology, queueing theory is relevant for analyzing network congestion, transaction processing times, and the efficiency of consensus mechanisms. News reports might indirectly touch upon these concepts when discussing network scalability issues or transaction fee volatility during periods of high demand. A key debate involves designing blockchain protocols that effectively manage transaction queues to maintain high throughput and low latency. Understanding these principles assists in evaluating network performance and future scaling solutions.