In the field of mathematics and other exact sciences, there is a range of theories that are aimed at explaining and studying theoretical concepts that can be implemented into practice. The graph theory can be regarded as one of the brightest examples of such concepts. Even though there are numerous problems that have not been solved yet, and certain hypotheses within the frame of the theory are not confirmed, such structures as graphs are widely used in different fields. Speaking about the field of computer networking, graphs can be used to describe and study data transfer systems; in addition, they remain an important tool helping to manage social networks and generate recommendations for users.
As it follows from its name, the discussed theory is aimed at studying graphs that present structures that consist of numerous knots that form unities with the help of verges. Importantly, the structure of a graph can be different due to the number of ends and knots that may vary. On that premise, it is widely accepted that there are about ten types of graphs, having different numbers of vertices. Speaking about the classification of graphs and the way to apply them, it needs to be noted that different graphs present structures helping to represent data related to various fields of knowledge. For instance, graphs can be used in linguistics, biology, and chemistry as they help to solve numerous problems related to studying structures of chemical substances, food chains. Apart from that, the use of graphs helps to define and describe processes taking place when new lexical units become popular and languages change. As it follows from these examples, it is obvious that the graph theory can be applied almost in every field of science because scientific knowledge always requires systematization.
When it comes to the field of computer science and networking, it is necessary to state that possible applications of graphs of different types are numerous. Speaking about the latter, it is important to pay attention to the task related to representation of data describing systems for data transfer. Thus, specialists in networking use graphs to outline systems of computer networks, study their properties, and implement changes. In fact, graphs used for that purpose help to create a kind of mathematical model that indicates the interconnection between the parts of system. When it comes to the most common examples, illustrating this way to use graphs, it is necessary to remember the Internet. The structure of the Internet can be presented with the help of graphs, and this way to use the discussed theory definitely helps to identify possible weaknesses of systems based on the type and properties of completed graphs (Xu, Wang, & Gu, 2014). This way to apply concepts from the graph theory is extremely significant to the field as it can be used to plan new networks and improve the older ones.
Apart from planning and studying networks, specialists in networking can use graph theory in order to provide services in social networks. The so-called social graph is a type of graph that includes a range of user profiles and represents links between them. Apart from that, social graphs can also be implicit. Such graphs also include information on interactions with other users but the types of links are less defined. The use of graphs presenting social links between users of popular social networks can be regarded as a way to fulfil numerous tasks. For instance, the data retrieved with the help of such graphs can be used in order to create proper recommendations for users. The latter may include messages and lists that indicate “people you may know” based on the information related to users’ friends and their activity in social networks (Jiang et al., 2013).
Apart from that, graphs can be used to generate recommendations related to media content based on activity showing preferences or users and their personal information. At the same time, it is important to note that graphs containing information on the activity of users can help to retrieve information that users may want to hide (such as the presence of fake accounts used for different purposes). In fact, if these accounts are used to operate on the fringes of the law, graphs can be successfully used to study the most recent activity of the user and identify his or her real personal details (Jin, Chen, Wang, Hui, & Vasilakos, 2013). Therefore, there is a number of ways to use graphs in social networks and they can sometimes prevent illegal activity in social networks. Even though some users do not want their personal details and data on social interactions to be processed and studied, there is no doubt that graphs in social networks help to simplify many processes and provide people with relevant information.
Having analyzed these ways to apply graphs in networking, it is possible to state that graph theory has advanced the knowledge in this field. In general, it is clear that graphs help to visualize any information to make it easier to understand. Importantly, graphs can be listed among the most common tools that are used for the purposes of network analysis by modern specialists. As is clear from the discussed examples, representing data with the help of graphs, it is possible to keep track of users’ interactions and fulfil a range of tasks helping to manage social networks.
Also, the use of graphs remains an important tool as it can help to control computer devices that form a network and create plans that can be easily understood. Analyzing the role of graph theory in the development of networking, it is possible to state that a range of conclusions made by researchers developing the theory can be applied to problems of computer networking related to connectivity. In other words, a graph often acts as a good tool allowing to track changes in computer networks. Taking into consideration all the ways to use graph theory in computer science and networking in particular, it needs to be stated that their role in advancing knowledge in the field and enhancing effectiveness of networks cannot be overestimated.
In the end, it is clear that graph theory can be applied by specialists in computer science and networking in numerous ways. Personally, I will apply the theory in order to use various computer network construction schemes and check if they are appropriate for a particular situation. At the same time, the theory can be used when there is a need to solve theoretic problems – representing the data with the help of graphs, I will make it more illustrative. Therefore, graph theory can be applied to solve both theoretical and practical problems.
References
Jiang, J., Wilson, C., Wang, X., Sha, W., Huang, P., Dai, Y., & Zhao, B. Y. (2013). Understanding latent interactions in online social networks. ACM Transactions on the Web (TWEB), 7(4), 18.
Jin, L., Chen, Y., Wang, T., Hui, P., & Vasilakos, A. V. (2013). Understanding user behavior in online social networks: A survey. IEEE Communications Magazine, 51(9), 144-150.
Xu, K., Wang, F., & Gu, L. (2014). Behavior analysis of internet traffic via bipartite graphs and one-mode projections. IEEE/ACM Transactions on Networking (TON), 22(3), 931-942.