Dynamics of jamming transitions in complex networks

We numerically investigate jamming transitions in complex heterogeneous networks. Inspired by Internet routing protocols, we study a general model that incorporates local traffic information through a tunable parameter. The results show that whether the transition from a low-traffic regime to a congested phase is of first- or second-order type is determined by the protocol at work. The microscopic dynamics reveals that these two radically different behaviors are due to the way in which traffic jams propagate through the network. Our results are discussed in the context of Internet dynamics and other transport processes that take place on complex networks and provide insights for the design of routing policies based on traffic awareness in communication systems.