Improved Algorithms and Lower Bounds for Parametrized Metrical Service Systems

We consider the parametrized setting of the classical metrical service system (MSS) problem first studied by Bubeck and Rabani (APPROX/RANDOM 2020). In this setting, the adversary is restricted to a set of $m$ distinct request types, known to the algorithm in advance. The goal is to obtain competitive ratio bounds in terms of $m$. In this work, we make significant progress in understanding the landscape of parametrized MSS and resolve several open problems from Bubeck and Rabani. Our first main result is a tight bound for parametrized MSS on weighted stars. Previously, Bubeck and Rabani gave a randomized lower bound of $\Omega(m)$ and deterministic upper bound of $O(2^m)$. We show that, surprisingly, a deterministic $O(m)$-competitive algorithm exists, matching the randomized lower bound. Our key insight is an interval covering formulation of MSS on weighted stars which enables an application of the primal-dual method. Our second main contribution is an improved lower bound construction for parametrized MSS on hierarchically separated trees (HSTs). Bubeck and Rabani's construction gave a $\omega(1)$ lower bound when $m \geq 6$. Our improved lower bounds are tight for $2$-level HSTs and also rule out $O(1)$-competitive algorithms on HSTs when the parameter $m\geq 4$. We also complement these results by giving a deterministic $O(1)$-competitive algorithm on general metrics when $m=2$ while showing that it is impossible when $m\geq 3$.