Hybrid Bi-Level Index for Shortest Paths in Temporal Networks
MathAI 2026 Selected Papers
Special Issue
Abstract
Temporal graphs provide a natural model for dynamic relational data arising in modern AI systems, including event streams, temporal knowledge graphs, interaction networks, and transaction systems. Efficient reachability querying in such graphs constitutes a fundamental operation underlying temporal reasoning, feature extraction, and dynamic graph learning.
In this paper, we propose a parameterized hybrid indexing framework for temporal reachability queries. Vertices are adaptively partitioned into two classes depending on the size of their reachable sets, enabling a controllable trade-off between memory usage and query time. Assuming a power-law degree distribution, we derive an analytical model for the proportion of promoted (large) vertices as a function of a promotion threshold. Closed-form asymptotic estimates for memory consumption and expected query time are obtained. We further prove the existence of a unique optimal threshold minimizing a combined memory–time cost functional.
Theoretical predictions are validated experimentally, revealing a characteristic U-shaped dependence of query time on the promotion parameter. The results provide a mathematically grounded foundation for adaptive indexing in large-scale temporal graph analytics and AI-driven dynamic data systems.
Cite this article
Vasilev, M. Hybrid Bi-Level Index for Shortest Paths in Temporal Networks. Mathematics & AI 2026, 1, 11. https://enigma.ist/j/mathematics-ai/1/2/11