Determining the Shannon Capacity of Graphs: A New Graph Limit Approach

Conceitos Básicos

The Shannon capacity of a graph, which quantifies the maximum rate of information transmission over a noisy communication channel, is a long-standing open problem in information theory, graph theory, and combinatorial optimization. This paper develops a new graph limit approach to the Shannon capacity problem, building on the theory of asymptotic spectrum duality.

Resumo

The paper discusses the problem of determining the Shannon capacity of graphs, which is a long-standing open problem in information theory, graph theory, and combinatorial optimization. The authors develop a new graph limit approach to this problem, building on the theory of asymptotic spectrum duality.
Key highlights and insights:

Asymptotic Spectrum Distance and Convergence:

The authors define the asymptotic spectrum distance between graphs, which captures the convergence of graphs in a way that is relevant for the Shannon capacity problem.
They construct non-trivial converging sequences of graphs using a family of vertex-transitive graphs called "fraction graphs".
They also construct Cauchy sequences of finite graphs that do not converge to any finite graph, but do converge to an infinite graph.

Infinite Graphs as Limit Points:

The authors establish strong connections between convergence questions of finite graphs and the asymptotic properties of infinite "circle graphs" on the circle.
They use ideas from the theory of dynamical systems to study these infinite graphs and their relation to the finite fraction graphs.

Independent Sets from Orbit Constructions and Reductions:

The authors propose a general framework for constructing large independent sets in powers of graphs, which unifies and explains many of the best-known lower bounds on the Shannon capacity of small odd cycles.
They develop computational and theoretical aspects of this approach and use it to obtain a new Shannon capacity lower bound for the fifteen-cycle.

Asymptotic Spectrum Distance in a Broader Context:

The authors note that the theory of asymptotic spectrum distance applies much more broadly than just to graphs, and discuss the striking difference between the "continuous" behavior of graphs and the more "discrete" behavior of tensors under this distance.

The paper offers a new perspective on the Shannon capacity problem and provides tools and techniques that open up new avenues for analysis and progress on this long-standing challenge.

Estatísticas

Θ(C15) ≥ α(C⊠4
15 )1/4 ≥ 28421/4 ≈ 7.30139

Citações

"Determining the Shannon capacity of graphs is a long-standing open problem in information theory, graph theory and combinatorial optimization."
"We propose a graph limit approach to the Shannon capacity problem: to determine the Shannon capacity of a graph, construct a sequence of easier to analyse graphs converging to it."
"The graph limit point-of-view brings many of the constructions that have appeared over time in a unified picture, makes new connections to ideas in topology and dynamical systems, and offers new paths forward."

Principais Insights Extraídos De

The asymptotic spectrum distance, graph limits, and the Shannon capacity

by David de Boe... às arxiv.org 04-26-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2404.16763.pdf

Perguntas Mais Profundas

How can the graph limit approach be extended to other graph parameters beyond Shannon capacity?

The graph limit approach, as discussed in the provided context, offers a powerful framework for analyzing graph properties by constructing sequences of graphs that converge to a target graph. This approach is particularly useful in determining the Shannon capacity of graphs. To extend this approach to other graph parameters beyond Shannon capacity, we can follow a similar methodology with appropriate modifications:

Identifying the Target Parameter: The first step is to identify the specific graph parameter of interest that we want to analyze using the graph limit approach. This could be any parameter that is influenced by the structure and properties of the graph, such as chromatic number, edge chromatic number, domination number, or others.

Defining Convergence Criteria: Just like in the case of Shannon capacity, we need to define the criteria for convergence of sequences of graphs with respect to the target parameter. This involves determining how the parameter behaves as we consider larger powers or combinations of graphs in the sequence.

Constructing Converging Sequences: Develop a method to construct sequences of graphs that converge to a given graph with respect to the target parameter. This may involve creating structured sequences of graphs that exhibit specific properties related to the parameter of interest.

Analyzing Continuity and Limits: Study the continuity properties of the target parameter with respect to the graph limit approach. Determine how the parameter behaves as we approach the limit graph in the sequence and how it reflects the properties of the limit graph.

Generalizing Results: Extend the results obtained from the graph limit approach to other graph parameters by adapting the techniques and insights gained from analyzing the Shannon capacity. This may involve exploring connections between different graph parameters and their convergence properties.

By following these steps and adapting the principles of the graph limit approach, we can effectively extend this methodology to analyze and understand various graph parameters beyond Shannon capacity.

What are the implications of the discrete behavior of tensors compared to the continuous behavior of graphs under the asymptotic spectrum distance?

The discrete behavior of tensors compared to the continuous behavior of graphs under the asymptotic spectrum distance has significant implications in the study of mathematical objects and their asymptotic properties. Here are some key implications:

Computational Complexity: The discrete behavior of tensors implies that the space of tensors with asymptotic spectrum distance is more rigid and discrete compared to the space of graphs. This has implications for the computational complexity of analyzing tensors and their asymptotic properties.

Structural Differences: Tensors exhibit more discrete behavior in terms of their asymptotic properties, leading to different convergence patterns and limits compared to graphs. This difference in behavior reflects the inherent structural distinctions between tensors and graphs.

Analytical Challenges: The discrete nature of tensors poses analytical challenges in studying their asymptotic properties, as the discrete behavior may limit the applicability of continuous methods and approaches commonly used in graph theory.

Algorithmic Considerations: The discrete behavior of tensors may require specialized algorithms and techniques for analyzing their asymptotic spectrum distance, highlighting the need for tailored computational methods in tensor analysis.

Theoretical Insights: Understanding the implications of the discrete behavior of tensors provides valuable theoretical insights into the nature of tensors and their asymptotic properties, shedding light on the unique characteristics of tensor spaces.

Overall, the discrete behavior of tensors, in contrast to the continuous behavior of graphs under the asymptotic spectrum distance, presents distinct challenges and opportunities in the study of mathematical objects and their asymptotic properties.

Can the techniques developed for constructing large independent sets in powers of graphs be applied to other combinatorial optimization problems?

The techniques developed for constructing large independent sets in powers of graphs, as discussed in the provided context, can indeed be applied to other combinatorial optimization problems beyond the Shannon capacity analysis. Here's how these techniques can be extended to address a broader range of optimization problems:

Problem Identification: Identify the specific combinatorial optimization problem of interest where constructing large independent sets can be beneficial. This could include problems related to graph coloring, maximum clique, vertex cover, or other optimization tasks.

Adaptation of Techniques: Modify the techniques used for constructing large independent sets in powers of graphs to suit the requirements of the new optimization problem. This may involve adjusting the construction methods and criteria for convergence based on the properties of the problem at hand.

Sequence Construction: Develop sequences of structures or configurations that converge to the optimal solution of the optimization problem. These sequences should exhibit specific properties related to the objective function or constraints of the problem.

Analytical Framework: Establish an analytical framework to study the convergence properties of the sequences and their relationship to the optimal solution. Analyze how the constructed sequences approach the optimal solution and the implications for the optimization problem.

Generalization and Application: Generalize the results obtained from the construction of large independent sets to derive insights and solutions for the new combinatorial optimization problem. Apply the adapted techniques to solve instances of the problem and evaluate the effectiveness of the approach.

By applying the techniques developed for constructing large independent sets in powers of graphs to other combinatorial optimization problems, researchers can explore innovative approaches to solving a wide range of optimization challenges using the principles of graph theory and asymptotic analysis.