Robust Distributed Clustering With Redundant Data Assignment

Abstract

In this work, we present distributed clustering algorithms that can handle large-scale data across multiple machines in the presence of faulty machines. These faulty machines can either be straggling machines that fail to respond within a stipulated time or Byzantines that send arbitrary responses. We propose redundant data assignment schemes that enable us to obtain clustering solutions based on the entire dataset, even when some machines are stragglers or adversarial in nature. Our proposed robust clustering algorithms generate a constant factor approximate solution in the presence of stragglers or Byzantines. We also provide various constructions of the data assignment scheme that provide resilience against a large fraction of faulty machines. Simulation results show that the distributed algorithms based on the proposed assignment scheme provide good-quality solutions for a variety of clustering problems.