Emergence of core-peripheries in networks

TL;DR

This paper shows that a simple load-based pruning process can naturally lead to the emergence of core-periphery structures in networks, enhancing their resilience and connectivity.

Contribution

It introduces a minimal model demonstrating how core-periphery structures can arise from load redistribution and pruning, explaining their formation in transport networks.

Findings

Pruning based on load redistribution creates resilient core-periphery networks.

Balanced pruning improves network resilience beyond real-world examples.

The model explains the emergence of core-peripheries in transport networks.

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.