Analysis of discrete-time queueing systems with vacations

Acknowledgements You are about to start reading the transcript of my research at the Department of Telecommunications and Information Processing of Ghent University. Although it seems like yesterday, it is more than 5 years ago that I started working on queueing theory. Pleasant years that have passed by quickly. There are many persons that I have to thank, who have directly or indirectly contributed to this dissertation and without whom life at work and out of work would have been a lot less enjoyable. First of all, I would like to thank my advisor, Professor Herwig Bruneel. His initial guidance and everlasting encouragement and support helped me to complete this dissertation. Further, there are the colleagues at the Department of Telecommunication and Information Processing, always ready to lend a helping hand. Bart Steyaert patiently taught me the art of scientific paper writing. My office companions Joris Walraevens and Stijn De Vuyst were always happy to engage into fruitful and enlightening discussions – ranging from " the hitchhikers guide " to " complex contour integration " – that often lead to new insights and ideas. Finally, I would like to thank my family and friends for their continuing support.