"Conjectural" links in complex networks

TL;DR

This paper introduces the concept of Conjectural Links in complex networks, proposing methods to identify and rank implicit, missing connections based on network topology, with applications in network recovery and link prediction.

Contribution

It defines Conjectural Links and develops two novel methods for identifying likely missing links in complex networks, especially social networks.

Findings

Methods successfully identify potential missing links.

Comparison shows effectiveness over existing link prediction techniques.

Applicable to real-world social and complex networks.

Abstract

This paper introduces the concept of Conjectural Link for Complex Networks, in particular, social networks. Conjectural Link we understand as an implicit link, not available in the network, but supposed to be present, based on the characteristics of its topology. It is possible, for example, when in the formal description of the network some connections are skipped due to errors, deliberately hidden or withdrawn (e.g. in the case of partial destruction of the network). Introduced a parameter that allows ranking the Conjectural Link. The more this parameter - the more likely that this connection should be present in the network. This paper presents a method of recovery of partially destroyed Complex Networks using Conjectural Links finding. Presented two methods of finding the node pairs that are not linked directly to one another, but have a great possibility of Conjectural Link communication among themselves: a method based on the determination of the resistance between two nodes, and method based on the computation of the lengths of routes between two nodes. Several examples of real networks are reviewed and performed a comparison to know network links prediction methods, not intended to find the missing links in already formed networks.