concept

Scale-free network

A network whose degree distribution follows a power law: most nodes have very few links while a handful of hubs have enormous numbers. There is no typical "average degree" — which is why it is called scale-free. Many real networks have this shape: the Internet, cellular metabolic networks, social networks. The structure produces a crucial double property (Albert–Barabási, 2000): extraordinary robustness to random failure, but fragility to a strike aimed at the hubs. It is the scientific model for why random burning cannot kill Eywa.