The effect of packet lifetime on scale-free network information traffic

• Published in: Physica A 2011-10, Vol.390 (21-22), p.3982-3988
• Main Authors: Du, Wen-Bo, Cao, Xian-Bin, Chen, Cai-Long, Yan, Gang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Complex networks; Congestion; Critical point; Lifetime; Networks; Order parameters; Packets (communication); Statistical mechanics; Traffic engineering; Traffic flow
• ISSN: 0378-4371; 1873-2119
• DOI: 10.1016/j.physa.2011.06.016

We model the information traffic on scale-free networks considering the packets’ limited lifetime. In previous papers, an order parameter η, which reflects the accumulation of packets, has been employed to estimate traffic congestion; if η>0, the traffic system is in the congestion state. With lifetime mechanism, where a packet will be removed from the system once its lifetime ends, it is found that traffic congestion is avoided. We then introduce another order parameter λ to characterize the variation of dropped packets and find that the network systems undergo a continuous transition from stable state to explored state at a critical point Rd. The packet loss rate and the average packets traveling time are also studied. Transition of these values happens at the same critical point of Rd. This work may be helpful for understanding information traffic in networks. ► We model the information traffic with a limited packet lifetime. ► A packet will be removed from the system once its lifetime ends. ► It is found that traffic congestion is avoided. ► Besides, the system undergoes a continuous transition at a critical point Rd.