Asymptotically approaching the Moore bound for diameter three by Cayley graphs

The largest order n(d,k) of a graph of maximum degree d and diameter k cannot exceed the Moore bound, of the form M(d,k) = dk - O(dk-1) for d → ∞ and any fixed k. Known results in finite geometries on generalised (k+1)-gons imply, for k=2,3,5, existence of an infinite sequence of values of d such that n(d,k) = dk - o(dk). Thus, for k = 2,3,5 the Moore bound can be asymptotically approached in the sense that lim supd→ ∞ n(d,k)/M(d,k) =1; moreover, no such result is known for any other value of k ≥ 2. The corresponding graphs are, however, far from vertex-transitive, and there appears to be no obvious way to extend them to vertex-transitive graphs giving the same type of asymptotic result. The second and the third author (2012) proved by a direct construction that the Moore bound for diameter k = 2 can, in a similar sense, be asymptotically approached by Cayley graphs. Subsequently, the first and the third author (2015) showed that the same construction can be derived from generalised triangles with polarity. By a detailed analysis of regular orbits of suitable groups of automorphisms of graphs arising from polarity quotients of incidence graphs of generalised quadrangles with polarity, we prove that for an infinite set of values of d there exist Cayley graphs of degree d, diameter 3, and order d3 - O(d2.5). The Moore bound for diameter 3 can thus as well be asymptotically approached by Cayley graphs. We also show that this method does not extend to constructing Cayley graphs of diameter 5 from generalised hexagons with polarity

Degree/diameter problem for mixed graphs

The Degree/diameter problem asks for the largest graphs given diameter and maximum degree. This problem has been extensively studied both for directed and undirected graphs, ando also for special classes of graphs. In this work we present the state of art of the degree/diameter problem for mixed graphs

Algebraic and Computer-based Methods in the Undirected Degree/diameter Problem - a Brief Survey

This paper discusses the most popular algebraic techniques and computational methods that have been used to construct large graphs with given degree and diameter

Diameter, Girth And Other Properties Of Highly Symmetric Graphs

We consider a number of problems in graph theory, with the unifying theme being the properties of graphs which have a high degree of symmetry. In the degree-diameter problem, we consider the question of finding asymptotically large graphs of given degree and diameter. We improve a number of the current best published results in the case of Cayley graphs of cyclic, dihedral and general groups. In the degree-diameter problem for mixed graphs, we give a new corrected formula for the Moore bound and show non-existence of mixed Cayley graphs of diameter 2 attaining the Moore bound for a range of open cases. In the degree-girth problem, we investigate the graphs of Lazebnik, Ustimenko and Woldar which are the best asymptotic family identified to date. We give new information on the automorphism groups of these graphs, and show that they are more highly symmetrical than has been known to date. We study a related problem in group theory concerning product-free sets in groups, and in particular those groups whose maximal product-free subsets are complete. We take a large step towards a classification of such groups, and find an application to the degree-diameter problem which allows us to improve an asymptotic bound for diameter 2 Cayley graphs of elementary abelian groups. Finally, we study the problem of graphs embedded on surfaces where the induced map is regular and has an automorphism group in a particular family. We give a complete enumeration of all such maps and study their properties

Statistical mechanics of complex networks

Complex networks describe a wide range of systems in nature and society, much quoted examples including the cell, a network of chemicals linked by chemical reactions, or the Internet, a network of routers and computers connected by physical links. While traditionally these systems were modeled as random graphs, it is increasingly recognized that the topology and evolution of real networks is governed by robust organizing principles. Here we review the recent advances in the field of complex networks, focusing on the statistical mechanics of network topology and dynamics. After reviewing the empirical data that motivated the recent interest in networks, we discuss the main models and analytical tools, covering random graphs, small-world and scale-free networks, as well as the interplay between topology and the network's robustness against failures and attacks.Comment: 54 pages, submitted to Reviews of Modern Physic

Extremal Metric and Topological Properties of Vertex Transitive and Cayley Graphs

We shall consider problems in two broad areas of mathematics, namely the area of the degree diameter problem and the area of regular maps. In the degree diameter problem we investigate finding graphs as large as possible with a given degree and diameter. Further, we may consider additional properties of such extremal graphs, for example restrictions on the kinds of symmetries that the graph in question exhibits. We provide two pieces of research relating to the degree diameter problem. First, we provide a new derivation of the Hoffman-Singleton graph and show that this derivation may be used with minor modification to derive the Bosák graph. Ultimately we show that no further natural modification of the construction we use can derive any other Moore or mixed-Moore graphs. Second, we answer the previously open question of whether the Gómez graphs, which are known to be vertex-transitive, are in addition also Cayley. In doing this, we also generalise the construction of the Gómez graphs and show that the Gómez graphs are the largest graphs for given degree and diameter following the generalised construction. We also provide two pieces of research relating to regular maps. We aim to address the related questions of for which triples of parameters k, l and m there exist finite regular maps of face length k, vertex order l and Petrie walk length m. We then address the related question of determining for which n there exist regular maps which are self dual and self Petrie dual which have face length, vertex order and Petrie dual walk length n. We address both questions by constructions of regular maps in fractional linear groups, necessarily leading us to study some interesting related number theoretic questions