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Social network theory, broadband and the future of the World Wide Web

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Sgroi, Daniel. (2008) Social network theory, broadband and the future of the World Wide Web. Telecommunications Policy, Vol.32 (No.1). pp. 62-84. ISSN 0308-5961

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.telpol.2007.11.008

Abstract

This paper aims to predict some possible futures for the World Wide Web based on several key network parameters: size, complexity, cost and increasing connection speed through the uptake of broadband technology. This is done through the production of a taxonomy specifically evaluating the stability properties of the fully connected star and complete networks, based on the Jackson and Wolinsky [(1996). A strategic model of social and economic networks. Journal of Economic Theory, 71, 44-74] connections model, modified to incorporate complexity concerns, The taxonomy demonstrates that when connection speeds are low neither the star nor complete networks are stable, and when connection speeds are high the star network is usually stable, while the complete network is never stable. For intermediate speed levels much depends upon the other parameters. Under plausible assumptions about the future, the taxonomy suggests that the Web may be increasingly dominated by a single intermediate site, perhaps best described as a search engine.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HM Sociology T Technology > TK Electrical engineering. Electronics Nuclear engineering
Divisions:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Economics
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Social networks, Online social networks, World Wide Web, Broadband communication systems, Telecommunication systems -- Social aspects
Journal or Publication Title:	Telecommunications Policy
Publisher:	Pergamon
ISSN:	0308-5961
Date:	February 2008
Volume:	Vol.32
Number:	No.1
Number of Pages:	23
Page Range:	pp. 62-84
Identification Number:	10.1016/j.telpol.2007.11.008
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access
Funder:	Seventh Framework Programme (European Commission) (FP7/2007-2013)
Grant number:	IST-2004-2012 (D8) (FP7)
References:	Albert, R., Jeong, H., & Barabasi, A.-L. (1999). Diameter of the World-Wide Web. Nature, 401, 130–131. Badasyan, N., & Chakrabarti, S. (2003). Private peering among Internet backbone providers. Mimeo, Virginia Tech. Bala, V., & Goyal, S. (2000). Self-organization in communication networks. Econometrica, 68, 1181–1230. Bloch, F. (2003). Group and network formation in industrial organisation: A survey. Mimeo, GREQAM. Goyal, S., van der Leij, M., & Moraga-Gonzalez, J. (2006). Economics: An emerging small world. Journal of Political Economy, 114, 403–432. Jackson, M. O. (2005). A survey of models of network formation: Stability and efficiency. In G. Demange, & M. Wooders (Eds.), Group formation in economics: Networks, clubs, and coalitions. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, forthcoming. Jackson, M. O., & Wolinsky, A. (1996). A strategic model of social and economic networks. Journal of Economic Theory, 71, 44–74.
URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/30351