The networks of the Internet: an analysis of provider networks in the USA

The Internet is comprised of a large number of private and public networks, which function as autonomous systems within the overall network. The network structure of an individual network, which may have grown by acquisition, has an impact on its efficiency. Using graph theory, this paper examines the network structure of ten “backbone” provider networks in the USA. The networks exhibit very different structures, which affect both the competitive positions of the firms as providers of Internet service to their customers and the nature of integration of other networks.