Network Structure, Topology and Dynamics in Generalized Models of Synchronization

TL;DR

This paper investigates how network structure and non-conservative interactions influence synchronization dynamics, revealing that different models uncover distinct underlying community structures in both synthetic and real-world networks.

Contribution

It introduces a novel non-conservative synchronization model and demonstrates its ability to reveal different network structures compared to traditional models.

Findings

Synchronization occurs in stages revealing community structures.

Non-conservative models uncover different network features.

Different models highlight distinct network structures.

Abstract

We explore the interplay of network structure, topology, and dynamic interactions between nodes using the paradigm of distributed synchronization in a network of coupled oscillators. As the network evolves to a global steady state, interconnected oscillators synchronize in stages, revealing network's underlying community structure. Traditional models of synchronization assume that interactions between nodes are mediated by a conservative process, such as diffusion. However, social and biological processes are often non-conservative. We propose a new model of synchronization in a network of oscillators coupled via non-conservative processes. We study dynamics of synchronization of a synthetic and real-world networks and show that different synchronization models reveal different structures within the same network.