Chaotic maps coupled with random delays: Connectivity, topology, and network propensity for synchronization

We study the influence of network topology and connectivity on the synchronization properties of chaotic logistic maps, interacting with random delay times. Four different types of topologies are investigated: two regular (a ring-type and a ring-type with a central node) and two random (free-scale Barabasi–Albert and small-world Newman–Watts). The influence of the network connectivity is studied by varying the average number of links per node, while keeping constant the total input that each map receives from its neighbors. For weak coupling, the array does not synchronize regardless the topology or connectivity of the network; however, for certain connectivity values there is enhanced coherence. For strong coupling, the array synchronizes in the homogeneous steady-state, where the chaotic dynamics of the individual maps is suppressed. For both, weak and strong coupling, the array propensity for synchronization is largely independent of the network topology and depends mainly on the average number of links per node.