Dynamic Elastic Bandwidth Allocation for Data Transfer Cost Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current bandwidth provisioning methods result in over-provisioning and excess costs due to peak demand occurring infrequently, as customers are charged for unused bandwidth over long contract periods, especially in large data center applications like data mirroring or backup where massive data transfer occurs.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method dynamically establishes a relationship with an elastic network service provider by checking peering policies for bandwidth pricing, selecting the best provider, and configuring bandwidth allocation based on cost and timing to transfer data efficiently, allowing for flexible and optimized bandwidth usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bandwidth is provisioned to meet projected peak data demand over a long contract period, then reliability of data transfer is improved, but cost increases due to over-provisioning and paying for unused bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth provisioning that automatically adjusts bandwidth allocation based on real-time demand monitoring. The system transitions from static long-term contracts to dynamic short-term agreements, allowing bandwidth to be provisioned only when needed and de-provisioned when demand decreases, thereby eliminating over-provisioning costs while maintaining transfer reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of bandwidth allocation from fixed to variable, and transforms the contract duration parameter from long-term to short-term. By monitoring data transfer patterns and demand signals, the system adjusts bandwidth parameters dynamically, paying only for actual usage rather than projected peak capacity, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and cost.
2Loss of energy
If less bandwidth is provisioned to lower costs, then bandwidth cost decreases, but overcharges occur when peak demand exceeds provisioned bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic bandwidth adjustment that continuously monitors demand signals and automatically scales bandwidth allocation upward when peak demand is detected and downward when demand subsides. This dynamic response prevents both over-provisioning and under-provisioning, ensuring reliability during peaks while minimizing costs during low-utilization periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism that monitors actual data transfer demand and uses this information to adjust bandwidth provisioning in real-time. The system receives feedback about demand patterns, peak occurrences, and transfer completion status, then adjusts bandwidth allocation accordingly, preventing overcharges while maintaining sufficient capacity for peak demands.
3Stability of the object's composition
If static long-term bandwidth contracts are used, then network service provider relationships are stable, but flexibility to adapt to changing data transfer needs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traditional static long-term contract into multiple dynamic short-term contract periods. Instead of committing to a fixed multi-year agreement, the system establishes a series of shorter-term relationships that can be independently adjusted based on demand. This segmentation maintains relationship stability through repeated engagements while providing flexibility to adapt bandwidth allocation to changing needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms the static nature of traditional bandwidth contracts into a dynamic model where contract terms, bandwidth allocation, and pricing can be adjusted between short-term periods. This dynamic approach allows the organization to maintain stable provider relationships through ongoing engagements while adapting bandwidth capacity to actual demand patterns, resolving the contradiction between stability and flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Data transfer using flexible dynamic elastic network service provider relationships is provided. A relationship is dynamically established with an elastic network service provider of multiple available elastic network service providers to transfer a portion of the set of data to the target. Peering policies for each of the multiple elastic network service providers are checked, where a respective peering policy for each elastic network service provider includes respective bandwidth pricing information. Based on the bandwidth pricing information for each of the plurality of elastic network service providers, an elastic network service provider and a schedule are selected to use in transferring the portion to the target. The elastic network service provider is used in transferring the portion to the target, which includes dynamically configuring elastic network bandwidth allocation from the elastic network service provider and initiating transfer of the portion to the target according to the selected schedule.