Efficient Split Federated Learning for Large Language Models over Communication Networks

Fuente: arXiv
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Main Authors: Zhao, Kai, Yang, Zhaohui, Hu, Ye, Chen, Mingzhe, Zhu, Chen, Zhang, Zhaoyang
Format: Preprint
Published: 2025
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_version_ 1866912459808309248
author Zhao, Kai
Yang, Zhaohui
Hu, Ye
Chen, Mingzhe
Zhu, Chen
Zhang, Zhaoyang
author_facet Zhao, Kai
Yang, Zhaohui
Hu, Ye
Chen, Mingzhe
Zhu, Chen
Zhang, Zhaoyang
contents Fine-tuning pre-trained large language models (LLMs) in a distributed manner poses significant challenges on resource-constrained edge networks. To address this challenge, we propose SflLLM, a novel framework that integrates split federated learning with parameter-efficient fine-tuning techniques. By leveraging model splitting and low-rank adaptation (LoRA), SflLLM reduces the computational burden on edge devices. Furthermore, the introduction of a federated server facilitates parallel training and enhances data privacy. To accommodate heterogeneous communication conditions and diverse computational capabilities of edge devices, as well as the impact of LoRA rank selection on model convergence and training cost, we formulate a joint optimization problem of both communication and computation resource. The formulated problem jointly optimizes subchannel allocation, power control, model splitting point selection, and LoRA rank configuration, aimed at minimizing total training delay. An iterative optimization algorithm is proposed to solve this problem efficiently. Specifically, a greedy heuristic is employed for subchannel allocation, the power control subproblem is reformulated as a convex optimization problem using auxiliary variables, and an exhaustive search is adopted for optimal split position and rank selection. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed SflLLM framework achieves comparable model accuracy while significantly reducing client-side computational requirements. Furthermore, the proposed resource allocation scheme and adaptive LoRA rank selection strategy notably reduce the training latency compared to conventional approaches.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2504_14667
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Efficient Split Federated Learning for Large Language Models over Communication Networks
Zhao, Kai
Yang, Zhaohui
Hu, Ye
Chen, Mingzhe
Zhu, Chen
Zhang, Zhaoyang
Machine Learning
Networking and Internet Architecture
Fine-tuning pre-trained large language models (LLMs) in a distributed manner poses significant challenges on resource-constrained edge networks. To address this challenge, we propose SflLLM, a novel framework that integrates split federated learning with parameter-efficient fine-tuning techniques. By leveraging model splitting and low-rank adaptation (LoRA), SflLLM reduces the computational burden on edge devices. Furthermore, the introduction of a federated server facilitates parallel training and enhances data privacy. To accommodate heterogeneous communication conditions and diverse computational capabilities of edge devices, as well as the impact of LoRA rank selection on model convergence and training cost, we formulate a joint optimization problem of both communication and computation resource. The formulated problem jointly optimizes subchannel allocation, power control, model splitting point selection, and LoRA rank configuration, aimed at minimizing total training delay. An iterative optimization algorithm is proposed to solve this problem efficiently. Specifically, a greedy heuristic is employed for subchannel allocation, the power control subproblem is reformulated as a convex optimization problem using auxiliary variables, and an exhaustive search is adopted for optimal split position and rank selection. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed SflLLM framework achieves comparable model accuracy while significantly reducing client-side computational requirements. Furthermore, the proposed resource allocation scheme and adaptive LoRA rank selection strategy notably reduce the training latency compared to conventional approaches.
title Efficient Split Federated Learning for Large Language Models over Communication Networks
topic Machine Learning
Networking and Internet Architecture
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2504.14667