  We derive the mean-field equations characterizing the dynamics of a rumor
process that takes place on top of complex heterogeneous networks. These
equations are solved numerically by means of a stochastic approach. First, we
present analytical and Monte Carlo calculations for homogeneous networks and
compare the results with those obtained by the numerical method. Then, we study
the spreading process in detail for random scale-free networks. The time
profiles for several quantities are numerically computed, which allow us to
distinguish among different variants of rumor spreading algorithms. Our
conclusions are directed to possible applications in replicated database
maintenance, peer to peer communication networks and social spreading
phenomena.

Statistical Mechanics