Title
On the importance function in splitting simulation
Abstract
The splitting method is a simulation technique for the estimation of very small probabilities. In this technique, the sample paths are split into multiple copies, at various stages in the simulation. Of vital importance to the efficiency of the method is the Importance Function (IF). This function governs the placement of the thresholds or surfaces at which the paths are split. We derive a characterisation of the optimal IF and show that for multi-dimensional models the "natural" choice for the IF is usually not optimal. We also show how nearly optimal splitting surfaces can be derived or simulated using reverse time analysis. Our numerical experiments illustrate that by using the optimal IF, one can obtain a significant improvement in simulation efficiency.
Year
DOI
Venue
2002
10.1002/ett.4460130408
EUROPEAN TRANSACTIONS ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Keywords
Field
DocType
telecommunications,queues,networks,simulation,efficiency,probability,splitting,timing analysis
Telecommunications network,Simulation,Computer science,Queue,Algorithm,Electronic engineering,Rare events
Journal
Volume
Issue
ISSN
13
4
1124-318X
Citations 
PageRank 
References 
22
1.56
7
Authors
3
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Marnix J. J. Garvels1433.40
Jan-kees C. W. Van Ommeren2738.53
Dirk P. Kroese342937.56