Interconnecting Networks: The Role of Connector Links

Recently, some studies have started to show how global structural properties or dynamical processes such as synchronization, robustness, cooperation, transport or epidemic spreading change dramatically when considering a network of networks, as opposed to networks in isolation. In this chapter we examine the effects that the particular way in which networks get connected exerts on each of the individual networks. We describe how choosing the adequate connector links between networks may promote or hinder different structural and dynamical properties of a particular network. We show that different connecting strategies have consequences on the distribution of network centrality, population dynamics or spreading processes. The importance of designing adequate connection strategies is illustrated with examples of social and biological systems. Finally, we discuss how this new approach can be translated to other dynamical processes, such as synchronization in an ensemble of networks.