Graph symmetry: Algebraic methods and applications

✍ Scribed by Hahn G., Sabidussi G. (eds.)

• Publisher: Kluwer
• Year: 1997
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 431
• Series: NATO
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

The last decade has seen parallel developments in computer science and combinatorics, both dealing with networks having strong symmetry properties. Both developments are centred on Cayley graphs: in the design of large interconnection networks, Cayley graphs arise as one of the most frequently used models; on the mathematical side, they play a central role as the prototypes of vertex-transitive graphs. The surveys published here provide an account of these developments, with a strong emphasis on the fruitful interplay of methods from group theory and graph theory that characterises the subject. Topics covered include: combinatorial properties of various hierarchical families of Cayley graphs (fault tolerance, diameter, routing, forwarding indices, etc.); Laplace eigenvalues of graphs and their relations to forwarding problems, isoperimetric properties, partition problems, and random walks on graphs; vertex-transitive graphs of small orders and of orders having few prime factors; distance transitive graphs; isomorphism problems for Cayley graphs of cyclic groups; infinite vertex-transitive graphs (the random graph and generalisations, actions of the automorphisms on ray ends, relations to the growth rate of the graph).