Proximal minimization based distributed convex optimization

We provide a novel iterative algorithm for distributed convex optimization over time-varying multi-agent networks, in the presence of heterogeneous agent constraints. We adopt a proximal minimization perspective and show that this set-up allows us to bypass the difficulties of existing algorithms wh...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Margellos, K, Falsone, A, Garatti, S, Prandini, M
Format: Conference item
Published: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 2016
Description
Summary:We provide a novel iterative algorithm for distributed convex optimization over time-varying multi-agent networks, in the presence of heterogeneous agent constraints. We adopt a proximal minimization perspective and show that this set-up allows us to bypass the difficulties of existing algorithms while simplifying the underlying mathematical analysis. At every iteration each agent makes a tentative decision by solving a local optimization program, and then communicates this decision with neighboring agents. We show that following this scheme agents reach consensus on a common decision vector, and in particular that this vector is an optimizer of the centralized problem.