A framework for distributed discrete evacuation strategies

Abstract

In this paper, we study discrete evacuation in networks, where agents know the network topology and designated exit nodes but do not know the number and initial positions of other agents. Each agent initially occupies a distinct node and must reach any exit node. Operating in a synchronous distributed model with local communication, the agents aim to minimize the time when the last agent reaches an exit. We introduce a general algorithmic framework for constructing evacuation strategies on arbitrary graphs. As a key application, we demonstrate that the framework yields asymptotically optimal evacuation strategies -- achieving a constant competitive ratio -- for grid networks, with natural extensions to triangular and hexagonal grids.