Approximating block accesses in random files: The case of blocking factors lower than one

摘要

Expressions available in the current literature to estimate the number of blocks accessed in a random file fail to work when the blocking factor is lower than one. A new expression is developed in this article to estimate the number of blocks accessed; this expression is valid for blocking factors that are higher as well as lower than one. It is shown using simulation experiments that this expression is quite accurate in most situations.