A network approach based on cliques

The characterization of complex networks is a procedure that is currently found in several research studies. Nevertheless, few studies present a discussion on networks in which the basic element is a clique. In this paper, we propose an approach based on a network of cliques. This approach consists not only of a set of new indices to capture the properties of a network of cliques but also of a method to characterize complex networks of cliques (i.e., some of the parameters are proposed to characterize the small-world phenomenon in networks of cliques). The results obtained are consistent with results from classical methods used to characterize complex networks.

► We discuss a network approach to study networks formed by cliques. ► We propose a set of new indices to capture the properties of a network of cliques. ► We also propose a method to characterize complex networks of cliques. ► The parameters used capture the small-world feature in networks of cliques. ► The results obtained indicate that the classical parameters are not entirely suitable for networks of cliques.