Small-worlds: How and why

Details Small-worlds: How and why Small-worlds: How and why

2000-02-05

arxiv.org/abs/cond-mat/0002076v1

Physics

Condensed Matter

Disordered Systems and Neural Networks

20 pages, latex, 9 figures

Scientific paper

10.1103/PhysRevE.63.021117

We investigate small-world networks from the point of view of their origin. While the characteristics of small-world networks are now fairly well understood, there is as yet no work on what drives the emergence of such a network architecture. In situations such as neural or transportation networks, where a physical distance between the nodes of the network exists, we study whether the small-world topology arises as a consequence of a tradeoff between maximal connectivity and minimal wiring. Using simulated annealing, we study the properties of a randomly rewired network as the relative tradeoff between wiring and connectivity is varied. When the network seeks to minimize wiring, a regular graph results. At the other extreme, when connectivity is maximized, a near random network is obtained. In the intermediate regime, a small-world network is formed. However, unlike the model of Watts and Strogatz (Nature {\bf 393}, 440 (1998)), we find an alternate route to small-world behaviour through the formation of hubs, small clusters where one vertex is connected to a large number of neighbours.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Small-worlds: How and why does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Small-worlds: How and why, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Small-worlds: How and why will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-666421