Mechanism
Hub-and-Spoke Networks
TL;DR
Hub-spoke networks minimize total transport distance for distributed origins/destinations.
Hub-spoke patterns emerge in biological distribution networks where resources must flow from central sources to distributed endpoints. Vascular systems use the heart as central hub with branching networks reaching all tissues.
Business Application of Hub-and-Spoke Networks
Hub-spoke networks minimize total transport distance for distributed origins/destinations. Direct point-to-point routes require n(n-1)/2 routes for n locations (exponential growth). Hub-spoke requires only n routes plus hub-to-hub routes (linear scaling). However, hub ports become single points of failure - the Suez Canal blockage demonstrated this fragility.