Discrete Stochastic Processes

By Robert G. Gallager

Book Overview

Stochastic processes are found in probabilistic systems that evolve with time. Discrete stochastic processes change by only integer time steps (for some time scale), or are characterized by discrete occurrences at arbitrary times. Discrete Stochastic Processes helps the reader develop the understanding and intuition necessary to apply stochastic process theory in engineering, science and operations research. The book approaches the subject via many simple examples which build insight into the structure of stochastic processes and the general effect of these phenomena in real systems.
The book presents mathematical ideas without recourse to measure theory, using only minimal mathematical analysis. In the proofs and explanations, clarity is favored over formal rigor, and simplicity over generality. Numerous examples are given to show how results fail to hold when all the conditions are not satisfied.
Audience: An excellent textbook for a graduate level course in engineering and operations research. Also an invaluable reference for all those requiring a deeper understanding of the subject.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0792395832
• ISBN13: 9780792395836
• Release Date: October 1995
• Publisher: Springer
• Length: 271 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.5" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

Terrific Text, better than going to class

This is a great textbook. It gives a great treatment of the subject, with the right mix of intuition and mathematical rigor. It is one of those rare textbooks that you can read carefully and simply forget about going to the lectures.

Provides excellent intuitive explanations

While Gallager is lacking in mathematical rigor and in typeface aesthetics, it is a superb book for understanding the intuition underlying the theorems. Sheldon Ross's book is more rigorous but does not offer as much intuition. The two books together make an excellent team.

Worth having!

Although the aesthetics (print, figures etc) of the book leave something to be desired, this is definitely a book one can get a lot out of. Gallager's treatment of the subject matter favors simplicity and his thought process is usually easy to follow. Occasionally one finds less than water tight proofs but all in all this is a great addition to the bookshelf.

Great Book

A great book to have. The book gives you real deep insight into the theorems of probability, queing systems and discrete stochastic processes. What most advanced level books on stochastic processes dont have is the explaination of the theorems because authors assume the audiance to be mathematicians. Gallegers book is more for engineers and less for mathematicicans.