Simulating the Spread of a Virus in Computer Network
Jihad Estrada - jaeestrada@gmail.com
Zvi Drezner - zdrezner@fullerton.edu
College of Business and Economics, California State University-Fullerton,
Fullerton, CA 92834
Abstract
In this paper we propose a simulation problem that can be used as an exercise in a simulation class using an excel add-on simulation package. Suppose that N objects (computers, people, animals, plants) are interacting in pairs. Every time unit (for example, a second for a computer, a day or a week for people), each object randomly selects another object and contacts it. Suppose that one object is infected with a virus. How long will it take until all objects are infected? How many objects are infected after 5 time units? This process is a simplified model for the spread of AIDS among humans, computer viruses among computers, or any communicable disease among humans, animals, or plants.
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10.1287/ited.6.2.32
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Citation Information
Estrada, J. Drezner, Z. 2006. Simulating the Spread of a Virus in Computer Network. INFORMS Trans. Ed. 6(2) 32-36. Available online at http://ite.pubs.informs.org/.
DOI: 10.1287/ited.6.2.32