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Network complexity
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<p>Network complexity is the number of <a href="/facts/Node_(computer_science)/eYlvVE0z">nodes</a> and alternative paths that exist within a <a href="/facts/Computer_network/3w5RM99p">computer network</a>, as well as the variety of communication media, communications equipment, <a href="/facts/Communication_protocol/5uady7cB">protocols</a>, and hardware and software platforms found in the network. </p><p><i>Simple network</i>: A small <a href="/facts/LAN/edUDxJ6J">LAN</a> with no alternative paths, a single communication protocol, and identical hardware and software platforms across nodes would be classified as a simple network. </p><p><i><a href="/facts/Complex_network/6zTa9z4e">Complex network</a></i>: An enterprise-wide network that uses multiple communication media and communication protocols to interconnect geographically distributed networks with dissimilar hardware and software platforms would be classified as a complex network. </p>