Large scale networks fingerprinting and visualization using the k-core decomposition

We use the k-core decomposition to develop algorithms for the analysis of large scale complex networks. This decomposition, based on a recursive pruningof the least connected vertices, allows to disentangle the hierarchical structure of networks by progressively focusing on their central cores.By using this strategy we develop a general visualization algorithm thatcan be used to compare the structural properties of various networks andhighlight their hierarchical structure. The low computational complexity of the algorithm, O(n e), where n is the size of the network, ande is the number of edges, makes it suitable for the visualization of very large sparse networks. We show how the proposed visualization tool allows to find specific structural fingerprints of networks.