Abstract
We study the avalanche dynamics in the data-packet transport on scale-free networks through a simple model. In the model, each vertex is assigned a capacity proportional to the load with the proportionality constant . When the system is perturbed by a single vertex removal, the load of each vertex is redistributed, followed by subsequent failures of overloaded vertices. The avalanche size depends on the parameter as well as which vertex triggers it. We find that there exists a critical value at which the avalanche size distribution follows a power law. The critical exponent associated with it appears to be robust as long as the degree exponent is between 2 and 3 and is close in value to that of the distribution of the diameter changes by single vertex removal.
- Received 26 October 2004
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.71.056108
©2005 American Physical Society