Multiplexnätverk

Multiplexnätverk, often referred to as multiplex networks, are a type of complex network that consists of multiple types of dependencies or layers between the same set of nodes. Instead of a single set of connections, a multiplex network can represent various relationships simultaneously. For example, a social network could be a multiplex network where one layer represents friendships, another represents professional connections, and a third represents shared interests.

The analysis of multiplex networks allows for a more nuanced understanding of system behavior compared to traditional single-layer networks. The interactions between different layers can significantly influence the overall dynamics, such as information diffusion, disease spreading, or network robustness. A node that is highly connected in one layer might be isolated in another, leading to complex emergent properties.

Key concepts in multiplex network theory include interlayer dependencies, which describe how connections in one layer affect or are affected by connections in another. Researchers study how the structure of these layers and their interdependencies impact properties like connectivity, community structure, and resilience to failures or attacks. Tools and methodologies from network science are adapted and extended to analyze these multi-layered structures. The study of multiplex networks is relevant across various disciplines, including sociology, biology, transportation, and information technology.