Topology Reconstruction of Dynamical Networks via Constrained Lyapunov Equations

The network structure (or topology) of a dynamical network is often unavailable or uncertain. Hence, we consider the problem of network reconstruction. Network reconstruction aims at inferring the topology of a dynamical network using measurements obtained from the network. In this technical note we define the notion of solvability of the network reconstruction problem. Subsequently. we provide necessary and sufficient conditions under which the network reconstruction problem is solvable. Finally, using constrained Lyapunov equations. we establish novel network reconstruction algorithms, applicable to general dynamical networks. We also provide specialized algorithms for specific network dynamics, such as the well known consensus and adjacency dynamics.