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arXiv · 1301.5916

Network Observability Transitions

Yang Yang·Jianhui Wang·Adilson E. Motter
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Abstract

In the modeling, monitoring, and control of complex networks, a fundamental problem concerns the comprehensive determination of the state of the system from limited measurements. Using power grids as example networks, we show that this problem leads to a new type of percolation transition, here termed a {\it network observability transition}, which we solve analytically for the configuration model. We also demonstrate a dual role of the network's community structure, which both facilitates optimal measurement placement and renders the networks substantially more sensitive to `observability attacks'. Aside from their immediate implications for the development of smart grids, these results provide insights into decentralized biological, social, and technological networks.

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Yang Yang, Jianhui Wang, Adilson E. Motter. 2013-01-24. Network Observability Transitions. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.109.258701

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