LCL problems on grids


Abstract in English

LCLs or locally checkable labelling problems (e.g. maximal independent set, maximal matching, and vertex colouring) in the LOCAL model of computation are very well-understood in cycles (toroidal 1-dimensional grids): every problem has a complexity of $O(1)$, $Theta(log^* n)$, or $Theta(n)$, and the design of optimal algorithms can be fully automated. This work develops the complexity theory of LCL problems for toroidal 2-dimensional grids. The complexity classes are the same as in the 1-dimensional case: $O(1)$, $Theta(log^* n)$, and $Theta(n)$. However, given an LCL problem it is undecidable whether its complexity is $Theta(log^* n)$ or $Theta(n)$ in 2-dimensional grids. Nevertheless, if we correctly guess that the complexity of a problem is $Theta(log^* n)$, we can completely automate the design of optimal algorithms. For any problem we can find an algorithm that is of a normal form $A circ S_k$, where $A$ is a finite function, $S_k$ is an algorithm for finding a maximal independent set in $k$th power of the grid, and $k$ is a constant. Finally, partially with the help of automated design tools, we classify the complexity of several concrete LCL problems related to colourings and orientations.

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