Working curves for delayed exponential calls served in random order

Working curves of delays for waiting calls served at random are given for a considerable range of loads and group sizes. Exponential holding time calls are assumed originating at random, and served by a simple group of paths. Results of a number of throwdown tests are given to illustrate the effect on call delays of several modes of service, and particularly of service on a random basis. For random service, these results verify the theory recently developed by J. Riordan; perhaps more interestingly they show the effects on delays of certain blends of queued and random service which approximate methods of handling delayed calls in practical use (such as gating and limited storage circuits). The use of random and queued delay theory is illustrated by a number of examples. To remind the reader that these results are not limited to telephony, department store and vehicular traffic problems are included.