Guaranteed indirect delivery in directed networks: The joint extremal function and explicit attaining constructions

A messenger and a pursuer move alternately on a finite loopless directed graph, with complete information and waiting permitted. The messenger moves first and wins upon reaching a designated recipient, before interception there. We determine the maximum number $M(n,m)$ of ordered nonadjacent source--recipient pairs for which delivery is guaranteed against every initial pursuer position, among graphs with $n$ vertices and $m$ arcs. We give the exact value and an explicit attaining graph for every admissible pair $(n,m)$. For $n\ge12$, a piecewise formula describes sparse growth, the interval $2n\le m\le n(n-3)$ in which every missing pair can be guaranteed, a dense staircase, and the zero range above $n(n-2)$. Complete finite tables cover smaller orders. The proofs combine degree and support bounds, local strategy composition, protected routing, and constructions in the missing-arc graph. Finite exceptional cases use explicit strategy certificates and complete computational exclusions. Reproducible programs and certificates accompany the paper; a Lean development verifies the complete formula for $n\ge12$ and $m\ge24$, the claimed scores of prescribed constructions at every admissible pair, and further finite upper bounds. Its remaining obligations are stated separately.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
arXiv (Cornell University)
Published
2026-10-29
DOI
https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2610.39469
Primary Topic
Advanced Graph Theory Research
Type
preprint
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
preprint

Guaranteed indirect delivery in directed networks: The joint extremal function and explicit attaining constructions

Angel Ivanov Raychev
arXiv (Cornell University)
Advanced Graph Theory Research
preprint

Guaranteed indirect delivery in directed networks: The joint extremal function and explicit attaining constructions

Angel Ivanov Raychev
preprint en

Abstract

A messenger and a pursuer move alternately on a finite loopless directed graph, with complete information and waiting permitted. The messenger moves first and wins upon reaching a designated recipient, before interception there. We determine the maximum number $M(n,m)$ of ordered nonadjacent source--recipient pairs for which delivery is guaranteed against every initial pursuer position, among graphs with $n$ vertices and $m$ arcs. We give the exact value and an explicit attaining graph for every admissible pair $(n,m)$. For $n\ge12$, a piecewise formula describes sparse growth, the interval $2n\le m\le n(n-3)$ in which every missing pair can be guaranteed, a dense staircase, and the zero range above $n(n-2)$. Complete finite tables cover smaller orders. The proofs combine degree and support bounds, local strategy composition, protected routing, and constructions in the missing-arc graph. Finite exceptional cases use explicit strategy certificates and complete computational exclusions. Reproducible programs and certificates accompany the paper; a Lean development verifies the complete formula for $n\ge12$ and $m\ge24$, the claimed scores of prescribed constructions at every admissible pair, and further finite upper bounds. Its remaining obligations are stated separately.

arXiv (Cornell University)
Advanced Graph Theory Research
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.

Laika access coming soon