Why do some networks exhibit scale-free properties? This paper explores the emergence of scaling in complex networks, such as genetic networks and the World Wide Web, where vertex connectivities follow a power-law distribution. The research identifies two generic mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon: continuous network expansion through the addition of new vertices, and preferential attachment of new vertices to already well-connected sites. A model incorporating these mechanisms reproduces the observed stationary scale-free distributions. This work suggests that the development of large networks is governed by robust self-organizing principles, transcending the specific details of individual systems. The findings have implications for understanding network dynamics across diverse domains.
Published in Science, a leading multidisciplinary journal, this research on scaling in random networks is of broad scientific interest. The findings contribute to understanding the fundamental properties of complex systems, with relevance to fields such as computer science, biology, and social science.
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