Asynchronous SGD without gradient delay for efficient distributed training
Asynchronous distributed gradient descent algorithms for training of deep neural networks are usually considered as inefficient, mainly because of the Gradient delay problem. In this paper, we propose a novel asynchronous distributed algorithm that tackles this limitation by well-thought-out averaging of model updates, computed by workers. The algorithm allows computing gradients along the process of gradient merge, thus, reducing or even completely eliminating worker idle time due to communication overhead, which is a pitfall of existing asynchronous methods. We provide theoretical analysis of the proposed asynchronous algorithm, and show its regret bounds. According to our analysis, the crucial parameter for keeping high convergence rate is the maximal discrepancy between local parameter vectors of any pair of workers. As long as it is kept relatively small, the convergence rate of the algorithm is shown to be the same as the one of a sequential online learning. Furthermore, in our algorithm, this discrepancy is bounded by an expression that involves the staleness parameter of the algorithm, and is independent on the number of workers. This is the main differentiator between our approach and other solutions, such as Elastic Asynchronous SGD or Downpour SGD, in which that maximal discrepancy is bounded by an expression that depends on the number of workers, due to gradient delay problem. To demonstrate effectiveness of our approach, we conduct a series of experiments on image classification task on a cluster with 4 machines, equipped with a commodity communication switch and with a single GPU card per machine. Our experiments show a linear scaling on 4-machine cluster without sacrificing the test accuracy, while eliminating almost completely worker idle time. Since our method allows using commodity communication switch, it paves a way for large scale distributed training performed on commodity clusters.
 Overall, this paper is well written and clearly present their main contribution. However, the novel asynchronous distributed algorithm seems not be significant enough. The delayed gradient condition has been widely discussed, but there are not enough comparison between these variants.
You are a member of the scientific community tasked with peer review. Review the following paper title and abstract.
### Title + Abstract
Asynchronous SGD without gradient delay for efficient distributed training
Asynchronous distributed gradient descent algorithms for training of deep neural networks are usually considered as inefficient, mainly because of the Gradient delay problem. In this paper, we propose a novel asynchronous distributed algorithm that tackles this limitation by well-thought-out averaging of model updates, computed by workers. The algorithm allows computing gradients along the process of gradient merge, thus, reducing or even completely eliminating worker idle time due to communication overhead, which is a pitfall of existing asynchronous methods. We provide theoretical analysis of the proposed asynchronous algorithm, and show its regret bounds. According to our analysis, the crucial parameter for keeping high convergence rate is the maximal discrepancy between local parameter vectors of any pair of workers. As long as it is kept relatively small, the convergence rate of the algorithm is shown to be the same as the one of a sequential online learning. Furthermore, in our algorithm, this discrepancy is bounded by an expression that involves the staleness parameter of the algorithm, and is independent on the number of workers. This is the main differentiator between our approach and other solutions, such as Elastic Asynchronous SGD or Downpour SGD, in which that maximal discrepancy is bounded by an expression that depends on the number of workers, due to gradient delay problem. To demonstrate effectiveness of our approach, we conduct a series of experiments on image classification task on a cluster with 4 machines, equipped with a commodity communication switch and with a single GPU card per machine. Our experiments show a linear scaling on 4-machine cluster without sacrificing the test accuracy, while eliminating almost completely worker idle time. Since our method allows using commodity communication switch, it paves a way for large scale distributed training performed on commodity clusters.
user
<think>Okay, to do a decent peer review, I should start with summarizing what the work is about. This includes novelty, contributions, clarity, and impact. I might include suggestions to issues that I find critical to the usefulness of the work. Starting with novelty, there are different types of novelty. The first aspect of novelty is scope and scale. Is the work covering a broader perspective than previous works? The second aspect is methodology. Is the proposed methodology novel compared to previous methods? Do they provide any significant advantage over previous methodologies? The third aspect is results. Are the results different compared previous work? Does this lead to any novel theories or an extension of current theories? Next is clarity, I will be reading the work in depth and analyze if any sentences can be potentially ambiguous or misleading. If any sentences are ambiguous, I will state them and give a suggestion on how to rephrase such sentence or how to make more clear to the audience. Lastly, impact is important. I will attempt to predict how such work will impact the scientific community. This might include the applications of such work and how the work might transform the way we study a certain topic. Finally, I will might only mention issues that are critical. This is to keep the review as concise and helpful as possible.</think>



 Overall, this paper is well written and clearly present their main contribution. However, the novel asynchronous distributed algorithm seems not be significant enough. The delayed gradient condition has been widely discussed, but there are not enough comparison between these variants.
assistant
 Overall, this paper is well written and clearly present their main contribution. However, the novel asynchronous distributed algorithm seems not be significant enough. The delayed gradient condition has been widely discussed, but there are not enough comparison between these variants.