The Effects of Link and Node Capacity on Traffic Dynamics in Weighted Scale-Free Networks

Abstract

The effect of link and node capacity on traffic dynamics are investigated in weighted scale-free networks by adopting a traffic routing model with local node strength information. The link bandwidth is controlled by: Bij = max(βwij , 1), and the capacity of nodes is controlled by: max(γsi, 1). The phase transition from free flow to congestion is reproduced. The optimal routing strategy is sought out. When β increases from zero, the optimal strategy changes from preferring low-strength nodes to high-strength nodes. When β ≈ 1.0, there will be two optimal routing strategies. When β is low, the system’s behavior is controlled by link bandwidth, while it is controlled by node capacity when β is high. Our work may be useful for the design of modern traffic systems and communication networks.