Robustness improvements of scale-free networks against cascading breakdown

Abstract

In this paper, we propose several strategies for improving the robustness of scale-free networks against cascading breakdown. Firstly, we introduce a damage-based measure of complete breakdown ratio. Then we propose a customized analytic algorithm to characterize the robustness against cascading breakdown in scale-free networks, and apply the robustness analysis algorithm to scale-free networks with different network structures. In order to improve the robustness of scale-free networks, some strategies are suggested, such as protection of network critical components, rewiring the preferential neighboring edges and absorbing partial load from overloaded edges. Finally, numerical experiments are performed to illustrate the effectiveness of these strategies for improving the robustness against cascading breakdown in scale-free networks.