arXiv · cond-mat/0409059
Effect of congestion costs on shortest paths through complex networks
Abstract
We analyze analytically the effect of congestion costs within a physically relevant, yet exactly solvable network model featuring central hubs. These costs lead to a competition between centralized and decentralized transport pathways. In stark contrast to conventional no-cost networks, there now exists an optimal number of connections to the central hub in order to minimize the shortest path. Our results shed light on an open problem in biology, informatics and sociology, concerning the extent to which decentralized versus centralized design benefits real-world complex networks.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
Explore connections, maps & timelines
Douglas J. Ashton, Timothy C. Jarrett, Neil F. Johnson. 2004-11-19. Effect of congestion costs on shortest paths through complex networks. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.94.058701
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.