Communication and optimal hierarchical networks

Abstract

We study a general and simple model for communication processes. In the model, agents in a network (in particular, an organization) interchange information packets following simple rules that take into account the limited capability of the agents to deal with packets and the cost associated to the existence of open communication channels. Due to the limitation in the capability, the network collapses under certain conditions. We focus on when the collapse occurs for hierarchical networks and also on the influence of the flatness or steepness of the structure. We find that the need for hierarchy is related to the existence of costly connections.

7 pages, 2 figures. NATO ARW on Econophysics

Cited by in corpus (8)

• Statistical mechanics of complex networks
• Dynamical properties of model communication networks
• On the Origins of Hierarchy in Complex Networks
• The evolutionary origins of hierarchy
• An efficient approach of controlling traffic congestion in scale-free networks
• Impact of community structure on information transfer
• Congestion diffusion and decongestion strategy in networked traffic
• Information transfer in community structured multiplex networks