> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://hub.bsvblockchain.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://hub.bsvblockchain.org/wiki/the-network/the-bitcoin-network/small-world-network.md). # Small World Network A small world network is a network in which most nodes are not directly connected, but where the neighbors of any given node are likely to be neighbors of each other, and most nodes can be reached from every other node by a small number of hops or steps. Specifically, a small world network is defined to be a network where the typical minimum distance L between two randomly chosen nodes (the minimum number of steps required) grows proportionally to the logarithm of the number of nodes N in the network, that is: :L \propto \log N The economic incentives of mining drives node operators to form a "Small World Network" which we refer to as the Bitcoin Core Network. The typical distance between any two nodes in the Bitcoin Core Network is just 1.3. This property is emergent over time as Miners learn how to optimise the network topology over time to create more efficient communication between nodes. This memory function leads to the Core Network forming what is known as a "giant node". This giant node becomes more and more densely connected over time, trending towards a Nearly Complete Graph. The giant node forms the center of a Mandala Network that is what all peers on the Bitcoin network connect to. A video representation of the Bitcoin network forming a highly connected mesh can be seen (file:) --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters: ``` GET https://hub.bsvblockchain.org/wiki/the-network/the-bitcoin-network/small-world-network.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.