Synchronization of interconnected networks: the role of connector nodes

TL;DR

This paper investigates how the choice of connector nodes affects the synchronization of interconnected networks, revealing optimal strategies and validating findings through analytical, numerical, and experimental methods.

Contribution

It identifies the influence of connector node degrees on network synchronization and determines optimal interconnection strategies, supported by analytical, numerical, and experimental evidence.

Findings

Connecting high-degree nodes enhances synchronization effectiveness.

Optimal link weights depend on interconnection strategy.

Experimental results confirm analytical predictions despite noise.

Abstract

In this Letter we identify the general rules that determine the synchronization properties of interconnected networks. We study analytically, numerically and experimentally how the degree of the nodes through which two networks are connected influences the ability of the whole system to synchronize. We show that connecting the high-degree (low-degree) nodes of each network turns out to be the most (least) effective strategy to achieve synchronization. We find the functional relation between synchronizability and size for a given network-of-networks, and report the existence of the optimal connector link weights for the different interconnection strategies. Finally, we perform an electronic experiment with two coupled star networks and conclude that the analytical results are indeed valid in the presence of noise and parameter mismatches.