The Watts–Strogatz network model developed by including degree distribution: theory and computer simulation

Abstract

By using theoretical analysis and computer simulations, we develop the Watts–Strogatz network model by including degree distribution, in an attempt to improve the comparison between characteristic path lengths and clustering coefficients predicted by the original Watts–Strogatz network model and those of the real networks with the small-world property. Good agreement between the predictions of the theoretical analysis and those of the computer simulations has been shown. It is found that the developed Watts–Strogatz network model can fit the real small-world networks more satisfactorily. Some other interesting results are also reported by adjusting the parameters in a model degree-distribution function. The developed Watts–Strogatz network model is expected to help in the future analysis of various social problems as well as financial markets with the small-world property.