An optimal local approximation algorithm for max-min linear programs

Abstract

We present a local algorithm (constant-time distributed algorithm) for approximating max-min LPs. The objective is to maximise $\omega$ subject to $Ax \le 1$, $Cx \ge \omega 1$, and $x \ge 0$ for nonnegative matrices $A$ and $C$. The approximation ratio of our algorithm is the best possible for any local algorithm; there is a matching unconditional lower bound.