Bandwidth allocation and resource adjustment for stability enhancement in complex networks

Abstract

We introduce the discrete Green’s function to elucidate how resource fluctuations determine flow fluctuations in a network optimizing a global cost function. To enhance the robustness of the network against fluctuations, we develop the schemes of optimal bandwidth allocation in links and optimal resource adjustment in nodes. With the total bandwidth of the network fixed, the approach of optimal bandwidth allocation is to increase the bandwidth in links such that the number of overloaded links or the amount of excess flows in networks under fluctuations can be minimized. Similarly, the approach of optimal resource adjustment is to minimize the number of overloaded links in networks under fluctuations with the total resource change in the network fixed. Compared with the conventional approach of proportionate bandwidth assignment or resource reduction, it is found that the optimized bandwidth allocation or resource adjustment can highly enhance the stability of the networks against fluctuations. The changes of loads and currents prescribed by the optimal bandwidth allocation and resource adjustment schemes are correlated with each other, except for some nodes that exhibit relay effects.