Topology Identification of Multilayer Complex Dynamical Networks: From Known to Unknown

Multilayer complex dynamical networks have large numbers of nodes, complex topological connections and various hierarchical structures. Each network layer therein has unique functions and characteristics, working together through interlayer coupling effects. The complete topological structure of such a multilayer network is usually difficult to fully determine. Can we employ the topological information of one known layer to identify the unknown intralayer topology of another layer in the multilayer network? In this paper, a novel topology identification method is proposed for revealing the unknown intralayer topology of one layer using information of another known layer. Interlayer coupling effect regulation term and topological difference term are first introduced into the design of a topology observer. Based on the generalized synchronization principle, adaptive topology observer is developed to identify the complex topology and monitor sudden topology changes of the other network layer. The proposed scheme allows to freely select a target layer and a known layer from the given multilayer complex dynamical network. Numerical simulations verify the effectiveness of the proposed intralayer topology identification method.