Dynamical advantages of scale-free networks

Abstract

A dynamical analysis of common network topologies is given and it is reported that a scale-free structure has two vital and distinctive features. First, complex but nevertheless reproducible states exist and, second, single-site induced state switching reminiscent of gene-expression control exists also. This indicates that scale-free networks have key dynamical advantages over other network topologies that could have contributed to their evolutionary success and thus may provide another reason for their prevalence in nature. © 2006 The American Physical Society.