多层网络能更好地反映真实世界中许多系统的结构和特征, 近年来已逐渐成为人们的研究热点. 基于层间节点的度-度相关性, 提出了一种层间中间度耦合方式, 目的是在较低的层间耦合成本下提高网络传输容量. 在最短路径和有效路由这两种经典的路由策略下, 分别验证了中间度耦合方式的有效性. 与同配耦合、异配耦合和随机耦合这3种耦合方式相比, 中间度耦合方式可以使网络中流量的分布更加均匀、网络传输容量的提升更大, 并可有效降低数据包在网络中的平均传输时间. 数据包采用有效路由策略传输时, 在较低的耦合概率下, 中间度耦合方式更能明显地提高网络的传输容量; 同时, 仿真发现均匀的网络拓扑结构具备更高的承载能力.

Multilayer networks can better reflect the structure and characteristics of many systems in the real world. In recent years, multilayer networks have become a focus area for many researchers. Based on the degree-degree correlation of interlayer nodes, we propose an intermediate degree coupling pattern to enhance the traffic capacity of multilayer networks at a low relative cost. In addition, the effectiveness of the intermediate degree coupling pattern is verified using two classic routing strategies, namely shortest path and efficient routing. Compared with the three coupling methods-assortative coupling, disassortative coupling, and random coupling-the intermediate coupling pattern makes the traffic load distribution more uniform on multilayer networks; hence, the traffic capacity of multilayer networks is greatly improved, and the average transport time of packets is effectively reduced. With lower coupling probability, the intermediate coupling pattern can significantly enhance the traffic capacity of a multilayer network when an efficient routing strategy is used. Meanwhile, simulation results show that more uniform network topology results in higher traffic capacity.