Multiscale ensemble clustering for finding modules in complex networks

Abstract

The identification of modules in complex networks is important for the understanding of systems. Here, we propose an ensemble clustering method incorporating node groupings in various sizes and the sequential removal of weak ties between nodes which are rarely grouped together. This method successfully detects modules in various networks, such as hierarchical random networks and the American college football network, with known modular structures. Some of the results are compared with those obtained by modularity optimization and K-means clustering.