Forman-Ricci curvature and persistent homology of unweighted complex networks

Abstract

We present the application of topological data analysis (TDA) to study unweighted complex networks via their persistent homology. By endowing appropriate weights that capture the inherent topological characteristics of such a network, we convert an unweighted network into a weighted one. Standard TDA tools are then used to compute their persistent homology. To this end, we use two main quantifiers: a local measure based on Forman's discretized version of Ricci curvature, and a global measure based on edge betweenness centrality. We have employed these methods to study various model and real-world networks. Our results show that persistent homology can be used to distinguish between model and real networks with different topological properties.