Algebraic Methods in the Congested Clique

In this work, we use algebraic methods for studying distance computation and subgraph detection tasks in the congested clique model. Specifically, we adapt parallel matrix multiplication implementations to the congested clique, obtaining an $O(n^{1-2/omega})$ round matrix multiplication algorithm, where $omega < 2.3728639$ is the exponent of matrix multiplication. In conjunction with known techniques from centralised algorithmics, this gives significant improvements over previous best upper bounds in the congested clique model. The highlight results include: -- triangle and 4-cycle counting in $O(n^{0.158})$ rounds, improving upon the $O(n^{1/3})$ triangle detection algorithm of Dolev et al. [DISC 2012], -- a $(1 + o(1))$-approximation of all-pairs shortest paths in $O(n^{0.158})$ rounds, improving upon the $tilde{O} (n^{1/2})$-round $(2 + o(1))$-approximation algorithm of Nanongkai [STOC 2014], and -- computing the girth in $O(n^{0.158})$ rounds, which is the first non-trivial solution in this model. In addition, we present a novel constant-round combinatorial algorithm for detecting 4-cycles.

Algebrisation in Distributed Graph Algorithms: Fast Matrix Multiplication in the Congested Clique

While algebrisation constitutes a powerful technique in the design and analysis of centralised algorithms, to date there have been hardly any applications of algebraic techniques in the context of distributed graph algorithms. This work is a case study that demonstrates the potential of algebrisation in the distributed context. We will focus on distributed graph algorithms in the congested clique model; the graph problems that we will consider include, e.g., the triangle detection problem and the all-pairs shortest path problem (APSP). There is plenty of prior work on combinatorial algorithms in the congested clique model: for example, Dolev et al. (DISC 2012) gave an algorithm for triangle detection with a running time of $tilde O(n^{1/3})$, and Nanongkai (STOC 2014) gave an approximation algorithm for APSP with a running time of $tilde O(n^{1/2})$. In this work, we will use algebraic techniques -- in particular, algorithms based on fast matrix multiplication -- to solve both triangle detection and the unweighted APSP in time $O(n^{0.15715})$; for weighted APSP, we give a $(1+o(1))$-approximation with this running time, as well as an exact $tilde O(n^{1/3})$ solution.