Graph Model Non-Terminating Vertices for Network Vulnerability Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing graph models for networked transmission systems fail to identify components that significantly impact overall network performance, leading to an incomplete risk picture in vulnerability and reliability studies.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for modeling physical networks using a graph model with non-terminating vertices to represent intermediate elements along transmission paths, allowing for the identification of common vulnerabilities and improved reliability and vulnerability analysis, including weighted graphs and multi-layered models to account for real-life network features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing graph models are used to represent network components and transmission paths, then the model structure is simple and easy to construct, but the model fails to identify network components that impact overall network performance, resulting in an incomplete risk picture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the graph model into two distinct types of vertices: terminating vertices representing network nodes and non-terminating vertices representing intermediate elements. This segmentation allows the model to capture different types of network components with their specific vulnerability characteristics, improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable structural complexity through clear classification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces non-terminating vertices as intermediary elements between terminating vertices (network nodes). These non-terminating vertices represent intermediate elements such as transmission lines or infrastructure components that affect multiple transmission paths. By incorporating these intermediaries, the model accurately identifies components impacting overall network performance without requiring a complete redesign of the graph structure.
2Reliability
If traditional graph models are used without non-terminating vertices, then the computational analysis is straightforward, but the model cannot represent common vulnerabilities among multiple transmission paths
Solution Approach 1:
The non-terminating vertices serve multiple functions: they represent intermediate elements, capture common vulnerabilities affecting multiple transmission paths, and enable reliability analysis of shared infrastructure. This multi-functionality improves network reliability analysis accuracy while avoiding the need for separate modeling mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds non-terminating vertices within the existing graph model structure, nesting them among terminating vertices and edges. This nesting approach allows the enhanced model to represent complex vulnerability relationships without creating a completely separate analysis framework, thus improving reliability accuracy while controlling structural complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the graph model includes detailed representations of all network components and intermediate elements, then the vulnerability analysis becomes more comprehensive, but the computational complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by representing different types of network components with appropriate vertex types (terminating vs. non-terminating) based on their specific characteristics and vulnerability profiles. This targeted representation improves risk assessment completeness by capturing locally relevant vulnerability information without unnecessarily modeling every detail of the entire network, thus controlling computational processing time.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for vulnerability and reliability modeling are provided. The method generally includes constructing a graph model of a physical network using a computer, the graph model including a plurality of terminating vertices to represent nodes in the physical network, a plurality of edges to represent transmission paths in the physical network, and a non-terminating vertex to represent a non-nodal vulnerability along a transmission path in the physical network. The method additionally includes evaluating the vulnerability and reliability of the physical network using the constructed graph model, wherein the vulnerability and reliability evaluation includes a determination of whether each terminating and non-terminating vertex represents a critical point of failure. The method can be utilized to evaluate wide variety of networks, including power grid infrastructures, communication network topologies, and fluid distribution systems.