Effects of degree correlation on the controllability of networks

In this paper, we investigate the effects of degree correlation on the controllability of undirected networks with different degree-mixing patterns based on simulation analysis. Considering random pinning, max-degree pinning and mix-degree pinning, some relevance factors on controllability such as the control gain and the number of pinned nodes are discussed in detail. It is found that disassortative mixing enhances the network controllability contrast to assortative mixing, to which the network controllability is sensible. Furthermore, too large or too low value of the feedback gain can reduce the controllability. From the viewpoint of practical application, mix-degree pinning strategy is suggested in assortative network, while in disassortative network, max-degree pinning scheme is better than random pinning. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.