We apply random matrix theory to complex networks. We show that nearest neighbor spacing distribution of the eigenvalues of the adjacency matrices of various model networks, namely scale-free, small-world, and random networks follow universal Gaussian orthogonal ensemble statistics of random matrix theory. Second, we show an analogy between the onset of small-world behavior, quantified by the structural properties of networks, and the transition from Poisson to Gaussian orthogonal ensemble statistics, quantified by Brody parameter characterizing a spectral property. We also present our analysis for a protein-protein interaction network in budding yeast.

• Received 24 August 2006
• Publisher error corrected 22 August 2007

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.76.026109