  Although the set of permutation symmetries of a complex network can be very
large, few of the symmetries give rise to stable synchronous patterns. Here we
present a new framework and develop techniques for controlling synchronization
patterns in complex network of coupled chaotic oscillators. Specifically,
according to the network permutation symmetry, we design a small-size and
weighted network, namely the control network, and use it to control the
large-size complex network by means of pinning coupling. We argue
mathematically that for \emph{any} of the network symmetries, there always
exists a critical pinning strength beyond which the unstable synchronous
pattern associated to this symmetry can be stabilized. The feasibility of the
control method is verified by numerical simulations of both artificial and
real-work networks, and is demonstrated by experiment of coupled chaotic
circuits. Our studies pave a way to the control of dynamical patterns in
complex networks.
