title: The robustness of multiplex networks under layer node-based attack.
abstract: From transportation networks to complex infrastructures, and to social and economic networks, a large variety of systems can be described in terms of multiplex networks formed by a set of nodes interacting through different network layers. Network robustness, as one of the most successful application areas of complex networks, has attracted great interest in a myriad of research realms. In this regard, how multiplex networks respond to potential attack is still an open issue. Here we study the robustness of multiplex networks under layer node-based random or targeted attack, which means that nodes just suffer attacks in a given layer yet no additional influence to their connections beyond this layer. A theoretical analysis framework is proposed to calculate the critical threshold and the size of giant component of multiplex networks when nodes are removed randomly or intentionally. Via numerous simulations, it is unveiled that the theoretical method can accurately predict the threshold and the size of giant component, irrespective of attack strategies. Moreover, we also compare the robustness of multiplex networks under multiplex node-based attack and layer node-based attack, and find that layer node-based attack makes multiplex networks more vulnerable, regardless of average degree and underlying topology.
authors.affiliation: Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Computer Networks, Shandong Computer Science Center (National Supercomputer Center in Jinan), Jinan 250014, China.
authors.forename: Da-wei
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.affiliation: Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Computer Networks, Shandong Computer Science Center (National Supercomputer Center in Jinan), Jinan 250014, China.
authors.forename: Lian-hai
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: School of Automation, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xian 710072, China.
authors.forename: Yong-feng
authors.initials: YF
authors.lastname: Zhi
authors.affiliation: School of Automation, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xian 710072, China.
authors.forename: Jun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: School of Automation, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xian 710072, China.|Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Engineering Sciences, Kyushu University, Kasuga-koen, Kasuga-shi, Fukuoka 816-8580, Japan.
authors.forename: Zhen
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Wang