Generalization of EDF and LLF: Identifying All Optimal Online Algorithms for Minimizing Maximum Lateness

It is well known that the Earliest-Deadline-First (EDF) and the Least-Laxity-First (LLF) algorithms are optimal algorithms for the problem of preemptively scheduling jobs that arrive over time on a single machine to minimize the maximum lateness (1|r _j ,pmtn|L _max). It was not previously known what other online algorithms are optimal for this problem. As this problem is fundamental in machine scheduling, it deserves a thorough investigation. In this paper, the concept of compound laxity is introduced, and a complete characterization of all optimal online algorithms for this problem is derived.