# Congestion induced by the structure of multiplex networks

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/1602.07474 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/1602.07474/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 24 Feb 2016.

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Reconstructing Sparse Multiplex Networks with Application to Covert Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2208.01739/) (2022)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Multiplex networks are representations of multilayer interconnected complex networks where the nodes are the same at every layer. They turn out to be good abstractions of the intricate connectivity of multimodal transportation networks, among other types of complex systems. One of the most important critical phenomena arising in such networks is the emergence of congestion in transportation flows. Here we prove analytically that the structure of multiplex networks can induce congestion for flows that otherwise will be decongested if the individual layers were not interconnected. We provide explicit equations for the onset of congestion and approximations that allow to compute this onset from individual descriptors of the individual layers. The observed cooperative phenomenon reminds the Braess' paradox in which adding extra capacity to a network when the moving entities selfishly choose their route can in some cases reduce overall performance. Similarly, in the multiplex structure, the efficiency in transportation can unbalance the transportation loads resulting in unexpected congestion.