Communications of the ACM
Toughening p Vulnerable Networks One Link at a Time
A new computer model shows how large networks can be improved by making a few small changes to multiply the informational pathways.
David McNew/Getty
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology researchers have developed a computer model that shows how large technological networks can be significantly improved by making a few small changes to multiply the informational pathways.
The researchers' method involves picking two random links, switching their end points, and testing the altered network by shutting down other points, similar to a malicious attack. If the network continued to be vulnerable, the researchers tried two different links. When a major improvement was found, the researchers used that as a starting point for the altered network and continued the process. The results showed that just a few changes can greatly improve a network's security features.
"We were surprised by how much improvement we saw," says the institute's Christian Schneider. "Even single changes can have a huge positive effect." For example, the point-of-presence network became 25 percent more resilient after changing just two percent of its links.
"This represents a significant step towards a better understanding of how vital networks can be better protected against malicious attacks," says City University of New York's Hernan Makse.
From New Scientist
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