Towards a Realistic Model for Failure Propagation in Interdependent Networks

TL;DR

This paper introduces HINT, a realistic model for failure propagation in interdependent networks like power grids and communication systems, highlighting the importance of heterogeneity and complex interdependencies in accurately predicting cascade failures.

Contribution

The paper presents HINT, a novel model that better captures the heterogeneity and complex interdependencies of real networks for studying cascading failures.

Findings

Existing models underestimate failure cascades.

HINT provides more accurate failure evolution predictions.

Interdependencies significantly increase network vulnerability.

Abstract

Modern networks are becoming increasingly interdependent. As a prominent example, the smart grid is an electrical grid controlled through a communications network, which in turn is powered by the electrical grid. Such interdependencies create new vulnerabilities and make these networks more susceptible to failures. In particular, failures can easily spread across these networks due to their interdependencies, possibly causing cascade effects with a devastating impact on their functionalities. In this paper we focus on the interdependence between the power grid and the communications network, and propose a novel realistic model, HINT (Heterogeneous Interdependent NeTworks), to study the evolution of cascading failures. Our model takes into account the heterogeneity of such networks as well as their complex interdependencies. We compare HINT with previously proposed models both on synthetic and real network topologies. Experimental results show that existing models oversimplify the failure evolution and network functionality requirements, resulting in severe underestimations of the cascading failures.