Information-theoretic approach to network modularity

Exploiting recent developments in information theory, we propose, illustrate, and validate a principled information-theoretic algorithm for module discovery and the resulting measure of network modularity. This measure is an order parameter (a dimensionless number between 0 and 1). Comparison is made with other approaches to module discovery and to quantifying network modularity (using Monte Carlo generated Erdos-like modular networks). Finally, the network information bottleneck (NIB) algorithm is applied to a number of real world networks, including the "social" network of coauthors at the 2004 APS March Meeting.