Sum rules for effective resistances in infinite graphs

Abstract

Extending work of Foster, Doyle, and others, we show how the Foster Theorems, a family of results concerning effective resistances on finite graphs, can in certain cases be extended to infinite graphs. A family of sum rules is then obtained, which allows one to easily calculate the sum of the resistances over all paths of a given length. The results are illustrated with some of the most common grids in the plane, including the square, triangular, and hexagonal grids.