Effect of edge removal on topological and functional robustness of complex networks

TL;DR

This paper investigates how edge removal affects both the topological and functional robustness of complex networks, using simulations and a combined robustness measure to identify strategies for enhancing network resilience.

Contribution

It introduces a combined approach to assess topological and functional robustness, providing new insights into network resilience and strategies for improvement.

Findings

Total connectedness as a robustness criterion

Comparison of topological and functional robustness

Identification of effective robustness enhancement strategies

Abstract

We study the robustness of complex networks subject to edge removal. Several network models and removing strategies are simulated. Rather than the existence of the giant component, we use total connectedness as the criterion of breakdown. The network topologies are introduced a simple traffic dynamics and the total connectedness is interpreted not only in the sense of topology but also in the sense of function. We define the topological robustness and the functional robustness, investigate their combined effect and compare their relative importance to each other. The results of our study provide an alternative view of the overall robustness and highlight efficient ways to improve the robustness of the network models.