Selfish vs. Unselfish Optimization of Network Creation

TL;DR

This paper explores how different cost considerations and agent behaviors influence the formation of complex networks in a model where agents build connections to minimize costs.

Contribution

It introduces and analyzes variants of a network creation model considering selfish and unselfish behaviors, revealing complex structures based on cost parameters.

Findings

Complex network structures emerge depending on cost weights and agent behavior.

Selfish and unselfish strategies lead to different network topologies.

The model demonstrates how simple rules can produce diverse network patterns.

Abstract

We investigate several variants of a network creation model: a group of agents builds up a network between them while trying to keep the costs of this network small. The cost function consists of two addends, namely (i) a constant amount for each edge an agent buys and (ii) the minimum number of hops it takes sending messages to other agents. Despite the simplicity of this model, various complex network structures emerge depending on the weight between the two addends of the cost function and on the selfish or unselfish behaviour of the agents.