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Proving time bounds for randomized distributed algorithms

Nancy Lynch·Isaac Saias·Roberto Segala
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Abstract

A method of analyzing time bounds for randomized distributed algorithms is presented, in the context of a new and general framework for describing and reasoning about randomized algorithms. The method consists of proving auxiliary statements of the form U (t)->(p) U', which means that whenever the algorithm begins in a state in set U, with probability p, it will reach a state in set U' within time t. The power of the method is illustrated by its use in proving a constant upper bound on the expected time for some process to reach its critical region, in Lehmann and Rabin's Dining Philosophers algorithm.

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Nancy Lynch, Isaac Saias, Roberto Segala. 1994-09-19. Proving time bounds for randomized distributed algorithms. https://arxiv.org/abs/math/9409221

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