Reviews
cussion of various models and aspects of model selection. Certain parameters of the model are shown to serve as estimators based on four specified statistics. The latter are further taken as random variables with distributions deduced from the model structure. A generating function is found which yields the ioint distribution of the sufficient statistics.
Chapter 6 includes a study of the covariance function of a simple stochastic model of a group of telephone trunks. Exact and approximate formulas are deduced for sampling error in traffic measurement.
In Chapter 7 a thermodynamic model of random traffic is developed by analogy with the methods of statistical mechanics. This is examined in detail since it is applicable, to any connecting network without regard to its structure. In spite of its shortcomings, it provides useful concepts and results for more realistic approaches to the problem. The final chapter considers a more realistic model of random traffic with its inherently more complex results. This model takes into account the structure of the network and the method used for routing calls. Theoretical calculations are shewn for establishing the grade of service provided. Each chapter contains an adequate list of references with a general reading list at the end of the book.
As may be expected from a research monograph, it is concise, clear and critical throughout. From time to time the author points out problems that remain to be solved. This reviewer found the book remarkably free of typographical and other errors. Minor exceptions include the use of the term "salva" in pages 77-78 with no apparent definition;