Connectivity models of interdependency in mixed-type critical infrastructure networks

Determining interdependencies and cascading failure modes in critical infrastructures is a complex problem that is exacerbated further by the diverging characteristics of the interconnected infrastructure types. Services in some types of infrastructure such as telecommunications or the electric grid are provided and consumed instantly. Others, notably oil and gas but also other infrastructures built on physical resources, however, exhibit buffering characteristics. In this paper we describe a model for the abstract representation of both types of infrastructure networks and their interdependencies. The model is then validated and demonstrated using characteristic topologies and interconnections. a 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.