Dynamic Physical Data Transfer Routing via Hybrid Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transfer of large amounts of data presents technical and logistical challenges, particularly when customers with limited network connectivity need to store data with a computing resource service provider.
Innovation Solution
The system employs dynamic physical data transfer routing by using a physical storage device equipped with an electronic shipping label, which is programmed with route information. This allows data to be transferred efficiently by shipping the physical storage device through various physical and network paths, optimizing for factors like latency, shipping time, and data center capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If data is transferred over network paths, then data transfer can be performed remotely, but transfer time increases and network capacity is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The data transfer process is segmented into two distinct paths: a control plane that operates over network paths for routing decisions, and a data plane that uses physical path transportation for actual data movement. This segmentation allows the system to optimize each path for its specific function, reducing overall transfer time while maintaining network efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
A physical storage device acts as an intermediary between the customer site and the data center. The device is shipped physically to transfer large amounts of data, bypassing network bandwidth limitations. The intermediary enables hybrid transfer by combining physical transportation with network-based control and coordination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple network paths are available for data transfer, then routing flexibility increases, but path selection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The routing system dynamically selects between physical and network paths based on real-time conditions such as data size, urgency, and resource availability. The route determination is not static but adapts to changing conditions, optimizing the transfer path while managing complexity through automated decision-making algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines the optimal route without requiring manual intervention. The routing engine self-manages the complexity of path selection by evaluating multiple factors and making decisions autonomously, reducing the perceived complexity for users while maintaining high adaptability.
3Speed
If physical storage devices are used for data transfer, then transfer speed increases for large data volumes, but logistics complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges physical path transportation with network path operations into a unified hybrid transfer process. The physical storage device transfer is coordinated with network-based control signals and routing decisions, creating an integrated system that leverages the speed of physical transfer while managing logistics through network coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical storage device serves multiple functions: it acts as both the data carrier for high-speed transfer and as a trigger for initiating and coordinating the transfer process through its electronic shipping label. This multi-functionality reduces logistics complexity by consolidating several operations into a single actionable component.
4Extent of automation
If electronic shipping labels are programmed with route information, then automated routing is enabled, but label system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Route information is pre-programmed into the electronic shipping label before the physical storage device is shipped. This preliminary action enables automated routing decisions to be made at the destination without requiring real-time computation or complex processing during the transfer, simplifying the label system while maintaining high automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The routing logic is extracted from the physical storage device and embedded in the electronic shipping label system. This separation allows the label to handle routing complexity independently, enabling automated routing without increasing the complexity of the storage device itself.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described herein for routing data by transferring a physical storage device for at least part of a route between source and destination locations. In one example, a computing resource service provider, may receive a request to transfer data from a customer center to a data center. The service provider may determine a route, which includes one or more of a physical path or a network path, for the data loaded onto a physical storage device to reach the data center from the customer center. Determining the route may include associating respective cost values to individual physical and network paths between physical stations between the customer and end data centers, and selecting one or more of the paths to reduce a total cost of the route. Route information may then be associated with the physical storage device based on the route.