Critical nodes identification based on comprehensive topological importance in complex networks

Abstract

The identification of critical nodes in the network is of great significance for the research of the invulnerability and structural stability of complex networks. Most of the existing studies evaluate the importance of nodes in networks from a single structural perspective. Considering the local and global characteristics of the network, an identification algorithm of critical nodes in complex networks based on comprehensive topological importance (CTI) is proposed. The algorithm uses the theory of multiple attribute decision making (MADM) to quantitatively analyze the influence of different attributes on nodes and determine the comprehensive topology importance of nodes, which represents their structural importance in complex networks. Based on two simulation networks and five classical real networks, the proposed algorithm is proved to be superior to DC, LLS, P and WL indexes based on local information and BC indexes based on global information through the change of network efficiency under critical nodes attacking.