Preferential spreading on scale-free networks

Based on a classical contact model, the spreading dynamics on scale-free networks is investigated by taking into account exponential preferentiality in both sending out and accepting processes. In order to reveal the macroscopic and microscopic dynamic features of the networks, the total infection density ρ and the infection distribution ρ(k), respectively, are discussed under various preferential characters. It is found that no matter what preferential accepting strategy is taken, priority given to small degree nodes in the sending out process increases the total infection density ρ. To generate maximum total infection density, the unbiased preferential accepting strategy is the most effective one. On a microscopic scale, a small growth of the infection distribution ρ(k) for small degree classes can lead to a considerable increase of ρ. Our investigation, from both macroscopic and microscopic perspectives, consistently reveals the important role the small degree nodes play in the spreading dynamics on scale-free networks.