A Modeling Framework for Gossip-based Information Spread

TL;DR

This paper introduces an analytical framework for gossip protocols that accounts for message loss in networks, enabling better understanding of how topology and channel reliability affect information dissemination.

Contribution

The paper extends existing models to include lossy communication channels, providing a more realistic analysis of gossip protocols' performance.

Findings

Message loss significantly impacts protocol efficiency

Topology influences the robustness of information spread

Models validated against simulation results

Abstract

We present an analytical framework for gossip protocols based on the pairwise information exchange between interacting nodes. This framework allows for studying the impact of protocol parameters on the performance of the protocol. Previously, gossip-based information dissemination protocols have been analyzed under the assumption of perfect, lossless communication channels. We extend our framework for the analysis of networks with lossy channels. We show how the presence of message loss, coupled with specific topology configurations,impacts the expected behavior of the protocol. We validate the obtained models against simulations for two protocols.