Temporal networks: a review and opportunities for infrastructure simulation

Complex network theory (CNT) has been providing the platform to simulate, analyze, and visualize different complex interdependent networks. Despite the successes of simulating and analyzing infrastructure networks based on their static topological characteristics using CNT, there remain some challenges pertaining to considering the temporal variation within such networks. This is an important aspect, especially that most infrastructure (e.g., transportation and power) networks are dynamic (i.e., evolve over time) and vary not only spatially but also temporally. In this respect, the current study focuses on first presenting a review of temporal network topological characteristics and modeling approaches. The different graphical representation techniques of temporal networks are then summarized and compared to their static counterparts. Finally, the study highlights the fact that considering the time dimension in simulating complex networks is a relatively new research field that presents new research frontiers for breakthrough opportunities in simulating complex interdependent infrastructure networks.