Recent advances on mechanisms of network generation: Community, exchangeability, and scale‐free properties

Abstract

The mechanisms of network generation have undergone extensive analysis and found broad applications in various real‐world scenarios. Among the fruitful literature on network models, numerous studies seek to explore and interpret fundamental graph structure properties, including the clustering effect, exchangeability, and scale‐free properties. In this paper, we present a comprehensive review of the statistical modeling methods for the mechanisms of network generation. We specifically focus on three representative classes of models, namely the stochastic block models, the exchangeable network models, and the preferential attachment models. For each model type, our approach begins by reviewing existing methods and model setups, followed by an exploration of the core modeling principles behind them. We also summarize relevant statistical inference techniques and provide a unified understanding of theoretical analyses. Furthermore, we emphasize several challenges and open problems that could shed light on future research. We conclude this review with the identification of some possible directions for future study.This article is categorized under: Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Modeling Methods and Algorithms Algorithms and Computational Methods > Networks and Security