Correlated network of networks enhances robustness against catastrophic failures

PLoS One. 2018 Apr 18;13(4):e0195539. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195539. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

Networks in nature rarely function in isolation but instead interact with one another with a form of a network of networks (NoN). A network of networks with interdependency between distinct networks contains instability of abrupt collapse related to the global rule of activation. As a remedy of the collapse instability, here we investigate a model of correlated NoN. We find that the collapse instability can be removed when hubs provide the majority of interconnections and interconnections are convergent between hubs. Thus, our study identifies a stable structure of correlated NoN against catastrophic failures. Our result further suggests a plausible way to enhance network robustness by manipulating connection patterns, along with other methods such as controlling the state of node based on a local rule.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Models, Theoretical*

Grants and funding

This work was supported by the research grant of the Chungbuk National University in 2018. MZ was also supported by the China Scholarship Council for one year study at the City College of New York (Grant No.201506140018).