An asymmetric interdependent networks model for cyber-physical systems

Cyber-physical systems (CPSs) are integrations of information technology and physical systems, which are more and more significant in society. As a typical example of CPSs, smart grids integrate many advanced devices and information technologies to form a safer and more efficient power system. However, interconnection with the cyber network makes the system more complex, so that the robustness assessment of CPSs becomes more difficult. This paper proposes a new CPS model from a complex network perspective. We try to consider the real dynamics of cyber and physical parts and the asymmetric interdependency between them. Simulation results show that coupling with the communication network makes better robustness of power system. But since the influences between the power and communication networks are asymmetric, the system parameters play an important role to determine the robustness of the whole system.