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Small-World Networks
“Many neighbors form dense clusters; a few shortcuts bring the whole network closer.”
01 / SUMMARY
In short
Small-world models combine high local clustering with short average paths between nodes. This architecture appears in diverse networks, although measurement depends on the comparison network and tie definition.
03 / SCENE
In the wild
Teams collaborate mostly within themselves, while a few cross-office contacts shorten routes between them.
04 / LIMIT
The limit
“Small world” means neither a small community nor exactly six steps between every pair.
FINAL NOTE
What remains
Measure local clustering and path length together; one number cannot describe the structure.