Hollowing strategies for enhancing robustness of geographical networks

¹ Department of Physics, Lanzhou University - Lanzhou 730000, PRC
² Department of Physics, Centre for Nonlinear studies, and The Beijing-Hong Kong- Singapore Joint Center for Nonlinear and Complex Systems (HK Branch) Hong Kong Baptist University - Hong Kong, PRC
³ Institute of Applied Physics, Jimei University - Xiamen 361021, PRC

Received: 7 April 2005
Accepted: 27 July 2005

Abstract

Geographical networks have attracted much attention recently, and it has been shown that they are more fragile under node failures than those without geographical constraints, due to the large amount of small-order cycles in these networks. In this paper, a hollowing strategy is proposed to break the small-order cycles in geographical networks and make them form higher-order cycles, thus making the networks more robust, at the same time keeping the cost low. The validity of the strategy is investigated both analytically and numerically. The hollowing strategy could be applicable in real geographical systems in times of crisis.