Synchronization in Complex Networks With Stochastically Switching Coupling Structures

Synchronization in complex networks with time dependent coupling and stochastically switching coupling structure is discussed. A novel approach investigating synchronization based on the scramblingness property of the coupling matrix is proposed. Some sufficient condition for a network with general time-varying coupling structure to reach complete synchronization is provided. Based on the general theorem, networks with stochastically switching coupling structures is investigated. In particular, two kinds of stochastic switching coupling networks are addressed: (a) independent and identically distributed switching processes and (b) Markov jump processes. In both cases, some sufficient condition for almost sure synchronization of the networks is given. Also, numerical simulations are provided to illustrate the theoretical results.