A Model for Uncoordinated Distributed Computation of Fixed Points.

Abstract : We present an algorithmc model for distributed computation of fixed points whereby several processors participate simultaneously in the calculations while exchanging information via communication links. We place essentially no assumption on the ordering of computation and communication between processors thereby allowing for completely uncoordinated execution. We find that even under these potentially chaotic circumstances it is possible to solve several important classes of problems including the calculation of fixed points of contraction and monotone mappings arising in linear and nonlinear systems of equations, shortest path problems, and dynamic programming. (Author)