Topological modelling of large networks

In a complex network, there is a strong interaction between the network's topology and its functionality. A good topological network model is a practical tool as it can be used to test 'what-if' scenarios and it can provide predictions of the network's evolution. Modelling the topology structure of a large network is a challenging task, since there is no agreement in the research community on which properties of the network a model should be based, or how to test its accuracy. Here we present recent results on how to model a large network, the autonomous system (AS)-Internet, using a growth model. Based on a nonlinear preferential growth model and the reproduction of the network's rich club, the model reproduces many of the topological characteristics of the AS-Internet. We also identify a recent method to visualize the network's topology. This visualization technique is simple and fast and can be used to understand the properties of a large complex network or as a first step to validate a network model.