Emergence of core–peripheries in networks

T. Verma (), F. Russmann, N.A.M. Araújo (), J. Nagler and H.J. Herrmann
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T. Verma: ETH Zürich, Computational Physics for Engineering Materials, Institute for Building Materials
F. Russmann: ETH Zürich, Computational Physics for Engineering Materials, Institute for Building Materials
N.A.M. Araújo: Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa
J. Nagler: ETH Zürich, Computational Physics for Engineering Materials, Institute for Building Materials
H.J. Herrmann: ETH Zürich, Computational Physics for Engineering Materials, Institute for Building Materials

Nature Communications, 2016, vol. 7, issue 1, 1-7

Abstract: Abstract A number of important transport networks, such as the airline and trade networks of the world, exhibit a characteristic core–periphery structure, wherein a few nodes are highly interconnected and the rest of the network frays into a tree. Mechanisms underlying the emergence of core–peripheries, however, remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate that a simple pruning process based on removal of underutilized links and redistribution of loads can lead to the emergence of core–peripheries. Links are assumed beneficial if they either carry a sufficiently large load or are essential for global connectivity. This incentivized redistribution process is controlled by a single parameter, which balances connectivity and profit. The obtained networks exhibit a highly resilient and connected core with a frayed periphery. The balanced network shows a higher resilience than the world airline network or the world trade network, revealing a pathway towards robust structural features through pruning.

Date: 2016
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms10441

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