It is important to understand network topology to predict its performance and its resilience to attacks. This is why computer scientists at UC San Diego have developed new algorithms which create Internet maps. Their maps — looking like digital dandelions — show Internet nodes and their linkages. But they are — mostly — randomly generated graphs that describe the characteristics of a specific corner of the Internet but double or triple the number of nodes. These algorithms, which you soon will be able to download, should also improve the scalability of network protocols and applications.

Links: ZDNet, Primidi