14,944 research outputs found
Optimal Embedding of Functions for In-Network Computation: Complexity Analysis and Algorithms
We consider optimal distributed computation of a given function of
distributed data. The input (data) nodes and the sink node that receives the
function form a connected network that is described by an undirected weighted
network graph. The algorithm to compute the given function is described by a
weighted directed acyclic graph and is called the computation graph. An
embedding defines the computation communication sequence that obtains the
function at the sink. Two kinds of optimal embeddings are sought, the embedding
that---(1)~minimizes delay in obtaining function at sink, and (2)~minimizes
cost of one instance of computation of function. This abstraction is motivated
by three applications---in-network computation over sensor networks, operator
placement in distributed databases, and module placement in distributed
computing.
We first show that obtaining minimum-delay and minimum-cost embeddings are
both NP-complete problems and that cost minimization is actually MAX SNP-hard.
Next, we consider specific forms of the computation graph for which polynomial
time solutions are possible. When the computation graph is a tree, a polynomial
time algorithm to obtain the minimum delay embedding is described. Next, for
the case when the function is described by a layered graph we describe an
algorithm that obtains the minimum cost embedding in polynomial time. This
algorithm can also be used to obtain an approximation for delay minimization.
We then consider bounded treewidth computation graphs and give an algorithm to
obtain the minimum cost embedding in polynomial time
Stochastic Sensor Scheduling via Distributed Convex Optimization
In this paper, we propose a stochastic scheduling strategy for estimating the
states of N discrete-time linear time invariant (DTLTI) dynamic systems, where
only one system can be observed by the sensor at each time instant due to
practical resource constraints. The idea of our stochastic strategy is that a
system is randomly selected for observation at each time instant according to a
pre-assigned probability distribution. We aim to find the optimal pre-assigned
probability in order to minimize the maximal estimate error covariance among
dynamic systems. We first show that under mild conditions, the stochastic
scheduling problem gives an upper bound on the performance of the optimal
sensor selection problem, notoriously difficult to solve. We next relax the
stochastic scheduling problem into a tractable suboptimal quasi-convex form. We
then show that the new problem can be decomposed into coupled small convex
optimization problems, and it can be solved in a distributed fashion. Finally,
for scheduling implementation, we propose centralized and distributed
deterministic scheduling strategies based on the optimal stochastic solution
and provide simulation examples.Comment: Proof errors and typos are fixed. One section is removed from last
versio
Fundamentals of Large Sensor Networks: Connectivity, Capacity, Clocks and Computation
Sensor networks potentially feature large numbers of nodes that can sense
their environment over time, communicate with each other over a wireless
network, and process information. They differ from data networks in that the
network as a whole may be designed for a specific application. We study the
theoretical foundations of such large scale sensor networks, addressing four
fundamental issues- connectivity, capacity, clocks and function computation.
To begin with, a sensor network must be connected so that information can
indeed be exchanged between nodes. The connectivity graph of an ad-hoc network
is modeled as a random graph and the critical range for asymptotic connectivity
is determined, as well as the critical number of neighbors that a node needs to
connect to. Next, given connectivity, we address the issue of how much data can
be transported over the sensor network. We present fundamental bounds on
capacity under several models, as well as architectural implications for how
wireless communication should be organized.
Temporal information is important both for the applications of sensor
networks as well as their operation.We present fundamental bounds on the
synchronizability of clocks in networks, and also present and analyze
algorithms for clock synchronization. Finally we turn to the issue of gathering
relevant information, that sensor networks are designed to do. One needs to
study optimal strategies for in-network aggregation of data, in order to
reliably compute a composite function of sensor measurements, as well as the
complexity of doing so. We address the issue of how such computation can be
performed efficiently in a sensor network and the algorithms for doing so, for
some classes of functions.Comment: 10 pages, 3 figures, Submitted to the Proceedings of the IEE
Optimal processor assignment for pipeline computations
The availability of large scale multitasked parallel architectures introduces the following processor assignment problem for pipelined computations. Given a set of tasks and their precedence constraints, along with their experimentally determined individual responses times for different processor sizes, find an assignment of processor to tasks. Two objectives are of interest: minimal response given a throughput requirement, and maximal throughput given a response time requirement. These assignment problems differ considerably from the classical mapping problem in which several tasks share a processor; instead, it is assumed that a large number of processors are to be assigned to a relatively small number of tasks. Efficient assignment algorithms were developed for different classes of task structures. For a p processor system and a series parallel precedence graph with n constituent tasks, an O(np2) algorithm is provided that finds the optimal assignment for the response time optimization problem; it was found that the assignment optimizing the constrained throughput in O(np2log p) time. Special cases of linear, independent, and tree graphs are also considered
Self-Evaluation Applied Mathematics 2003-2008 University of Twente
This report contains the self-study for the research assessment of the Department of Applied Mathematics (AM) of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) at the University of Twente (UT). The report provides the information for the Research Assessment Committee for Applied Mathematics, dealing with mathematical sciences at the three universities of technology in the Netherlands. It describes the state of affairs pertaining to the period 1 January 2003 to 31 December 2008
Content Distribution by Multiple Multicast Trees and Intersession Cooperation: Optimal Algorithms and Approximations
In traditional massive content distribution with multiple sessions, the
sessions form separate overlay networks and operate independently, where some
sessions may suffer from insufficient resources even though other sessions have
excessive resources. To cope with this problem, we consider the universal
swarming approach, which allows multiple sessions to cooperate with each other.
We formulate the problem of finding the optimal resource allocation to maximize
the sum of the session utilities and present a subgradient algorithm which
converges to the optimal solution in the time-average sense. The solution
involves an NP-hard subproblem of finding a minimum-cost Steiner tree. We cope
with this difficulty by using a column generation method, which reduces the
number of Steiner-tree computations. Furthermore, we allow the use of
approximate solutions to the Steiner-tree subproblem. We show that the
approximation ratio to the overall problem turns out to be no less than the
reciprocal of the approximation ratio to the Steiner-tree subproblem.
Simulation results demonstrate that universal swarming improves the performance
of resource-poor sessions with negligible impact to resource-rich sessions. The
proposed approach and algorithm are expected to be useful for
infrastructure-based content distribution networks with long-lasting sessions
and relatively stable network environment
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