A Linear-Time Algorithm for Integral Multiterminal Flows in Trees

In this paper, we study the problem of finding an integral multiflow which maximizes the sum of flow values between every two terminals in an undirected tree with a nonnegative integer edge capacity and a set of terminals. In general, it is known that the flow value of an integral multiflow is bounded by the cut value of a cut-system which consists of disjoint subsets each of which contains exactly one terminal or has an odd cut value, and there exists a pair of an integral multiflow and a cut-system whose flow value and cut value are equal; i.e., a pair of a maximum integral multiflow and a minimum cut. In this paper, we propose an O(n)-time algorithm that finds such a pair of an integral multiflow and a cut-system in a given tree instance with n vertices. This improves the best previous results by a factor of Omega(n). Regarding a given tree in an instance as a rooted tree, we define O(n) rooted tree instances taking each vertex as a root, and establish a recursive formula on maximum integral multiflow values of these instances to design a dynamic programming that computes the maximum integral multiflow values of all O(n) rooted instances in linear time. We can prove that the algorithm implicitly maintains a cut-system so that not only a maximum integral multiflow but also a minimum cut-system can be constructed in linear time for any rooted instance whenever it is necessary. The resulting algorithm is rather compact and succinct

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

Packing Odd Walks and Trails in Multiterminal Networks

Let G be an undirected network with a distinguished set of terminals T ? V(G) and edge capacities cap: E(G) ? ?_+. By an odd T-walk we mean a walk in G (with possible vertex and edge self-intersections) connecting two distinct terminals and consisting of an odd number of edges. Inspired by the work of Schrijver and Seymour on odd path packing for two terminals, we consider packings of odd T-walks subject to capacities cap. First, we present a strongly polynomial time algorithm for constructing a maximum fractional packing of odd T-walks. For even integer capacities, our algorithm constructs a packing that is half-integer. Additionally, if cap(?(v)) is divisible by 4 for any v ? V(G)-T, our algorithm constructs an integer packing. Second, we establish and prove the corresponding min-max relation. Third, if G is inner Eulerian (i.e. degrees of all nodes in V(G)-T are even) and cap(e) = 2 for all e ? E, we show that there exists an integer packing of odd T-trails (i.e. odd T-walks with no repeated edges) of the same value as in case of odd T-walks, and this packing can be found in polynomial time. To achieve the above goals, we establish a connection between packings of odd T-walks and T-trails and certain multiflow problems in undirected and bidirected graphs