Edges of inter-layer synchronization in multilayer networks with time-switching links

Abstract

We investigate the transition to synchronization in a two-layer network with time-switching inter-layer links. We focus on the role of the number of inter-layer links and the time-scale of topological changes. Initially, we observe a smooth transition to complete synchronization for the static inter-layer topology by increasing the number of inter-layer links. Next, for a dynamic topology with the existent inter-layer links randomly changing among identical units in the layers, we observe a significant improvement in the system synchronizability, i.e., the layers synchronize with lower inter-layer connectivity. More interestingly, we find that, for a critical switching-time, the transition to synchronization occurs abruptly as the number of inter-layer links increases. We interpret this phenomenon as the shrinking, and ultimately, the disappearance of the basin of attraction of a desynchronized network state.