The Impact of Interacting Network Structure

 

ELIZABETH LEICHT

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS

 

The majority of recent work in network theory has dealt with individual networks treated as isolated systems. However, many networks are actually just one component in a much larger complex system; such a system can bring together multiple networks with distinct topologies and functions. For instance, modern critical infrastructure spans assorted electric grids, telecom and computer networks, and transportation networks; likewise, a product development project brings together social networks and technical networks to form a system exhibiting so-called socio-technical congruence. Individual networks are increasingly interdependent and previously neglected or "hidden" inter-network connections can significantly impact our understanding of network structure. We develop a mathematical formalism for interacting networks focusing on both intra- and inter-network connectivity properties. With this formalism we show that the critical threshold for the onset of large-scale network connectivity in one network, i.e., the formation of a giant connected component, can be manipulated by the introduction of a multiple network framework. Applications of this work relate to our understanding of disease spreading across geographic regions and how to engineer minimalist communications networks.