Multiplex networks

Abstract

Typical complex system operates through multiple types of interactions between its constituents. The collective function of these multiple interactions, or multiple network layers, is often non-additive, resulting in nontrivial effects on the network structure and dynamics. To better model such situations, the concept of multiplex network, the network with explicit multiple types of links, has recently been applied. In this contribution, we survey recent studies on this subject, focused on the notion of correlated multiplexity. Empirical multiplex network analysis as well as analytical results on the random graph models of correlated multiplex networks are presented, followed by a brief summary of dynamical processes on multiplex networks. It is illustrated that a multiplex complex system can indeed exhibit structural and dynamical properties that cannot be represented by its individual layer's properties alone, establishing the network multiplexity as an essential ingredient in the new physics of "network of networks." © 2014 Springer International Publishing Switzerland.