Exponential Random Graphs as Models of Overlay Networks

In this paper we give an analytic solution for graphs with n nodes and E = cn log n edges for which the probability of obtaining a given graph G is µn (G) = exp (- β ∑i=1 n d i 2), where d i is the degree of node i. We describe how this model appears in the context of load balancing in communication networks, namely peer-to-peer overlays. We then analyse the degree distribution of such graphs and show that the degrees are concentrated around their mean value. Finally, we derive asymptotic results for the number of edges crossing a graph cut and use these results (i) to compute the graph expansion and conductance, and (ii) to analyse the graph resilience to random failures.