Analytical Models for Epidemics in Mobile Networks

Mobile computer networks are formed by portable electronic devices like cellphones or laptops that can establish transient, point-to-point communication links using short- range radios. To model the spread of viruses across these networks, we must explicitly account for node movement and non-homogeneous connectivity distributions. Using coupled differential equations, we introduce a new epidemiological model for mobile networks, finding that increased node velocities lead to more virulent epidemics. We also introduce a stochastic model which is more suitable for networks containing few hosts.