Alaverkkolike

Alaverkkolike is a term used in network science to describe a subnetwork-like structure within a larger network. The term blends Finnish alaverkko, meaning 'subnetwork', with the English suffix -like, and is used mainly in informal or descriptive discussions rather than as a formal technical standard.

In practice, an alaverkkolike refers to a portion of a network that functions as a semi-autonomous module. It typically features dense internal connectivity and high clustering, while maintaining relatively few connections to nodes outside the subnetwork. The concept is used to characterize modular organization and to distinguish tightly knit groups from the broader network.

Structural properties often include elevated internal edge density, high modularity, and a boundary comprised of a small set of boundary nodes that mediate external communication. Alaverkkolikes can appear in various domains, such as social networks (teams or departments), biological networks (metabolic or signaling subnetworks), and technological networks (subnetworks behind routers or firewalls).

Applications. The concept aids in analysis of resilience and diffusion, enabling targeted interventions, containment of failures, and simplified modeling by focusing on subnetworks as units. It should be noted that alaverkkolike is an informal term and overlaps with more established ideas like subgraphs, communities, and modules.