Effect of degree correlation on edge controllability of real networks*

Abstract

We use the controllability limit theory to study impact of correlation between in- and out-degrees (degree correlation) on edge controllability of real networks. Simulation results and analytic calculations show that the degree correlation plays an important role in the edge controllability of real networks, especially dense real networks. The upper and lower controllability limits hold for all kinds of real networks. Any edge controllability in between the limits is achievable by properly adjusting the degree correlation. In addition, we find that the edge dynamics in some real networks with positive degree correlation may be difficult to control, and explain the rationality of this anomaly based on the controllability limit theory.