On the Limits of Momentum in Decentralized and Federated Optimization

arXiv — cs.LGWednesday, November 26, 2025 at 5:00:00 AM
  • Recent research has analyzed the use of momentum in decentralized and federated optimization, particularly in the context of Federated Learning (FL). The study reveals that while momentum can help mitigate statistical heterogeneity, it does not guarantee convergence under unbounded conditions, especially with cyclic client participation. The findings indicate that decreasing step-sizes do not improve convergence outcomes, leading to a constant value influenced by initialization and heterogeneity bounds.
  • This development is significant for the field of machine learning, particularly in optimizing Federated Learning systems. Understanding the limitations of momentum in decentralized scenarios is crucial for researchers and practitioners aiming to enhance model training efficiency and reliability. The insights gained from this study could inform future methodologies and frameworks in distributed optimization.
  • The challenges of statistical heterogeneity in decentralized learning are echoed in various studies exploring different optimization strategies and frameworks. As the field evolves, there is a growing emphasis on addressing issues related to client participation, data distribution, and model convergence. Innovations such as uncertainty-aware distillation and generative AI-powered plugins are being developed to tackle these complexities, highlighting the ongoing quest for more robust solutions in federated learning environments.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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