643 research outputs found
Network Interdiction Using Adversarial Traffic Flows
Traditional network interdiction refers to the problem of an interdictor
trying to reduce the throughput of network users by removing network edges. In
this paper, we propose a new paradigm for network interdiction that models
scenarios, such as stealth DoS attack, where the interdiction is performed
through injecting adversarial traffic flows. Under this paradigm, we first
study the deterministic flow interdiction problem, where the interdictor has
perfect knowledge of the operation of network users. We show that the problem
is highly inapproximable on general networks and is NP-hard even when the
network is acyclic. We then propose an algorithm that achieves a logarithmic
approximation ratio and quasi-polynomial time complexity for acyclic networks
through harnessing the submodularity of the problem. Next, we investigate the
robust flow interdiction problem, which adopts the robust optimization
framework to capture the case where definitive knowledge of the operation of
network users is not available. We design an approximation framework that
integrates the aforementioned algorithm, yielding a quasi-polynomial time
procedure with poly-logarithmic approximation ratio for the more challenging
robust flow interdiction. Finally, we evaluate the performance of the proposed
algorithms through simulations, showing that they can be efficiently
implemented and yield near-optimal solutions
DECENTRALIZED ALGORITHMS FOR NASH EQUILIBRIUM PROBLEMS – APPLICATIONS TO MULTI-AGENT NETWORK INTERDICTION GAMES AND BEYOND
Nash equilibrium problems (NEPs) have gained popularity in recent years in the engineering community due to their ready applicability to a wide variety of practical problems ranging from communication network design to power market analysis. There are strong links between the tools used to analyze NEPs and the classical techniques of nonlinear and combinatorial optimization. However, there remain significant challenges in both the theoretical and algorithmic analysis of NEPs. This dissertation studies certain special classes of NEPs, with the overall purpose of analyzing theoretical properties such as existence and uniqueness, while at the same time proposing decentralized algorithms that provably converge to solutions. The subclasses are motivated by relevant application examples
Synthesis, Interdiction, and Protection of Layered Networks
This research developed the foundation, theory, and framework for a set of analysis techniques to assist decision makers in analyzing questions regarding the synthesis, interdiction, and protection of infrastructure networks. This includes extension of traditional network interdiction to directly model nodal interdiction; new techniques to identify potential targets in social networks based on extensions of shortest path network interdiction; extension of traditional network interdiction to include layered network formulations; and develops models/techniques to design robust layered networks while considering trade-offs with cost. These approaches identify the maximum protection/disruption possible across layered networks with limited resources, find the most robust layered network design possible given the budget limitations while ensuring that the demands are met, include traditional social network analysis, and incorporate new techniques to model the interdiction of nodes and edges throughout the formulations. In addition, the importance and effects of multiple optimal solutions for these (and similar) models is investigated. All the models developed are demonstrated on notional examples and were tested on a range of sample problem sets
A New Framework for Network Disruption
Traditional network disruption approaches focus on disconnecting or
lengthening paths in the network. We present a new framework for network
disruption that attempts to reroute flow through critical vertices via vertex
deletion, under the assumption that this will render those vertices vulnerable
to future attacks. We define the load on a critical vertex to be the number of
paths in the network that must flow through the vertex. We present
graph-theoretic and computational techniques to maximize this load, firstly by
removing either a single vertex from the network, secondly by removing a subset
of vertices.Comment: Submitted for peer review on September 13, 201
The N-K Problem in Power Grids: New Models, Formulations and Numerical Experiments (extended version)
Given a power grid modeled by a network together with equations describing
the power flows, power generation and consumption, and the laws of physics, the
so-called N-k problem asks whether there exists a set of k or fewer arcs whose
removal will cause the system to fail. The case where k is small is of
practical interest. We present theoretical and computational results involving
a mixed-integer model and a continuous nonlinear model related to this
question.Comment: 40 pages 3 figure
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