A model for cascading failures in complex networks

TL;DR

This paper introduces a simple dynamical model for cascading failures in complex networks, showing how the failure of a highly loaded node can trigger widespread collapse, especially in heterogeneous systems like the Internet and power grids.

Contribution

The paper presents a new minimal model for cascading failures based on flow redistribution, highlighting the critical role of highly loaded nodes in network robustness.

Findings

Failure of a single high-load node can cause system-wide collapse

Heterogeneous networks are particularly vulnerable to cascading failures

The model explains the emergence of large, rare cascades in infrastructure networks

Abstract

Large but rare cascades triggered by small initial shocks are present in most of the infrastructure networks. Here we present a simple model for cascading failures based on the dynamical redistribution of the flow on the network. We show that the breakdown of a single node is sufficient to collapse the efficiency of the entire system if the node is among the ones with largest load. This is particularly important for real-world networks with an highly hetereogeneous distribution of loads as the Internet and electrical power grids.