Federated Learning for Feature Generalization with Convex Constraints

Abstract:Federated learning (FL) often struggles with generalization due to heterogeneous client data. Local models are prone to overfitting their local data distributions, and even transferable features can be distorted during aggregation. To address these challenges, we propose FedCONST, an approach that adaptively modulates update magnitudes based on the parameter strength of the global model. This prevents over-emphasizing well-learned parameters while reinforcing underdeveloped ones. Specifically, FedCONST employs linear convex constraints to ensure training stability and preserve locally learned generalization capabilities during aggregation. A Gradient Signal to Noise Ratio (GSNR) analysis further validates the effectiveness of FedCONST in enhancing feature transferability and robustness. As a result, FedCONST effectively aligns local and global objectives, mitigating overfitting and promoting stronger generalization across diverse FL environments, achieving state-of-the-art performance.

Machine Learning (cs.LG); Machine Learning (stat.ML)

arXiv:2606.14416 [cs.LG]

(or arXiv:2606.14416v1 [cs.LG] for this version)

https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2606.14416 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite (pending registration)

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