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Networks are fascinating because of their mathematical properties. Let’s explore one of these properties: the number of links in a network. We can calculate this with the formula (x-1)*x/2. As you can see below, this is an exponential function (which means: it starts slow, but then increases rapidly as you go along). For example, with 8 nodes we are already talking about 28 links. (8*7/2=28)

In Economics, there is a concept called the network effect, which relates to this closely. It suggests that a network becomes more valuable if more people are using it. Given a choice, most people will opt for the network that has more activity. (it’s more fun if you can talk to your friends) So in business, networks with more nodes are also more valuable.

However, when you are designing a system, you should really think the other way around. Can we make it less complex? Can we remove parts? (the value seems to be in going down the curve, not up, when dealing with servers at least) I recently simplified a system and it got better. There is some magic in this. So I now keep things simple.