Proactive robustness control of heterogeneously loaded networks

A proactive measure to increase the robustness of heterogeneously loaded networks against cascades of overload failures is proposed. It is based on load-dependent weights. Compared to simple hop weights, respective shortest flow paths turn a previously heterogeneous load distribution into a more homogeneous one for the nodes and links of the network. The use of these flow paths increases the networks robustness and at the same time reduces the investment costs into the networks capacity layout. These findings are of relevance for critical infrastructures like communication and transportation networks.