Directionality-induced jamming in multiplex networks

TL;DR

This paper investigates how directed interlayer couplings in multiplex networks can both facilitate superdiffusion and cause jamming, significantly affecting diffusion dynamics and system connectivity.

Contribution

It reveals the phenomenon of directionality-induced jamming, demonstrating how directed interlayer links can hinder diffusion and fragment the network, a novel insight into multiplex network behavior.

Findings

Directed interlayer links can cause jamming, preventing diffusion.

Superdiffusion can occur even with undirected layers due to directionality.

Optimization shows the jamming regime is achievable in real-world networks.

Abstract

We study diffusion on multiplex networks with directed interlayer couplings. We demonstrate both numerically and analytically that even with undirected layers, interlayer directionality alone reproduces superdiffusion and the prime regime. We further reveal a new phenomenon, the directionality-induced jamming, whereby directed interlayer links hinder diffusion, fragmenting the system into dynamically disconnected components and preventing convergence to the steady state of the diffusion process. Via an optimization process, we show that this new regime is attainable in both toy models and real-world topologies. These findings underscore the crucial role of interlayer link directionality in shaping the emergent behavior of multiplex systems, with potential implications for the design and control of such systems.