Topology, hierarchy, and correlations in Internet graphs

Abstract

We present a statistical analysis of different metrics characterizing the topological properties of Internet maps, collected at two different resolution scales: the router and the autonomous system level. The metrics we consider allow us to confirm the presence of scale-free signatures in several statistical distributions, as well as to show in a quantitative way the hierarchical nature of the Internet. Our findings are relevant for the development of more accurate Internet topology generators, which should include, along with the properties of the degree distribution, the hierarchical signatures reviewed in the present work.