Vulnerability of core networks under different epidemic attacks

Abstract

This paper is focused on the propagation of failures within a core telecommunication network (i.e. virus or malicious code spreading), which are commonly represented using epidemic models. This work conducts an analysis of the vulnerability of five core telecommunication networks subject to different epidemic attacks. The difference between the attacks relies on the method used to select the initial set of infected nodes. As a novelty, the investigation is focused on the initial stage of the epidemics (first 48 hours). The analysis is carried out taking into account the topological connectivity of the networks. Results are presented in two phases. The first one concerns the first 24 hours of the epidemics evolution and shows the reaction of core networks to different types of epidemic attacks. The second one is focused on the time frame between 24 and 48 hours and presents a study of the repairing times needed to eradicate the epidemics. Results show that the core telecommunication networks react differently depending on the type of epidemics. Thus, different repairing times need to be applied in order to maintain a specific level of connectivity of the networks.