A large number of systems form networks. Examples of networks include transportation infrastructures, the Internet, social groups, and power grids. Additionally networks can arise in biological system such as protein networks and the nervous system. Typically in these systems there are nodes which could be individuals or groups in the case of social networks. There are also links that can connect different nodes. Some nodes may be highly connected to many other nodes while other nodes may have only a few connections. Important quantities measurable on the network include the distance between two nodes, defined by counting the number of nodes through which a piece of information traveling from node A to node B must pass. There is considerable current interest in studying the topology of these networks, understanding their function, and learning how to control them. For instance, in the case of information networks, it is desirable to optimize the network against failure. It may be possible that, if a particular node is eliminated, the network could be completely disrupted. Under certain topologies, however, the network may be highly robust against loss of nodes so that even with a large fraction of missing nodes, information on average can still pass between any two remaining nodes. Currently we are collaborating with a number of workers at Los Alamos on various aspects of dynamics on networks. This includes performing large scale dynamical simulations of agents and information on different kinds of networks. The results from these simulations are compared to analytical predictions and empirical data.
CNLS Network
Conference
Zoltan Toroczkai
Back to Home Other network groups around the world working on Complex Networks
Barabasi's group at Notre Dame
Last Modified: 3/25/03