Let Γ denote a bipartite distance-regular graph with diameter D ⩾ 3 and valency k ⩾ 3. Γ is said to be 2-homogeneous whenever for all integers i(1⩽i⩽D − 1) and for all vertices x,y.z at distance ∂(x, y) = 2, ∂(x, z) = i, ∂(y, z) = i, the number γ of vertices adjacent to both x and y and at distance i − 1 from z is a constant depending only upon i.
In this paper we characterize the 2-homogeneous property in three ways. These characterizations involve the intersection numbers, the eigenvalues, and the Krein parameters, respectively.
First, we obtain a sequence of inequalities involving the intersection numbers of Γ. We show that equality is attained in every case if and only if Γ is 2-homogeneous. Second, we obtain a number of inequalities involving the eigenvalues of Γ. We show that equality is attained in any one of them if and only if equality is attained in all of them if and only if Γ is 2-homogeneous. Third, we show that the following are equivalent: (i) Γ is 2-homogeneous; (ii) Γ is an antipodal 2-cover and Q-polynomial; and (iii) Γ has a Q-polynomial structure for which the Krein parameters q1ii = 0 (0⩽i⩽D).
