An explorative analysis of different distance metrics to compare unweighted undirected networks

Networks are mathematical structures that make it possible to represent complex systems by characterising the relationships existing between the various elements of the network. In order to understand the differences between two different systems, tools are needed to quantify these differences. The purpose of this work is an exploratory analysis of the impacts that different distance metrics have on the comparative evaluation of two networks, at increasing levels of network perturbation. Preliminary results show that, depending on the chosen metric, it is possible to amplify or reduce the effect of perturbation. As the disturbance increases, the differences between the distance assessment systems are reduced.