Skyplane: Optimizing Transfer Cost and Throughput Using Cloud-Aware Overlays (2210.07259v1)

Abstract: Cloud applications are increasingly distributing data across multiple regions and cloud providers. Unfortunately, wide-area bulk data transfers are often slow, bottlenecking applications. We demonstrate that it is possible to significantly improve inter-region cloud bulk transfer throughput by adapting network overlays to the cloud setting -- that is, by routing data through indirect paths at the application layer. However, directly applying network overlays in this setting can result in unacceptable increases in cloud egress prices. We present Skyplane, a system for bulk data transfer between cloud object stores that uses cloud-aware network overlays to optimally navigate the trade-off between price and performance. Skyplane's planner uses mixed-integer linear programming to determine the optimal overlay path and resource allocation for data transfer, subject to user-provided constraints on price or performance. Skyplane outperforms public cloud transfer services by up to $4.6\times$ for transfers within one cloud and by up to $5.0\times$ across clouds.

• The paper presents Skyplane, an overlay network system that leverages MILP-based route planning to improve cloud data transfer throughput by up to 5×.
• It strategically balances performance and cost by optimizing indirect routing paths using detailed cloud egress pricing and network throughput metrics.
• The methodology employs adaptive resource allocation and parallel TCP connections, offering a practical solution for efficient high-volume data transfers in multi-cloud environments.

An Analytical Overview of "Skyplane: Optimizing Transfer Cost and Throughput Using Cloud-Aware Overlays"

The paper "Skyplane: Optimizing Transfer Cost and Throughput Using Cloud-Aware Overlays" introduces Skyplane, a system designed to enhance the efficiency of wide-area bulk data transfers between cloud object stores. The system leverages cloud-aware network overlays to strategically balance the trade-off between transfer cost and throughput. The approach is characterized by optimizing indirect routing paths at the application layer through mixed-integer linear programming (MILP).

Contributions and Key Findings

Skyplane presents a notable advancement in cloud-based data transfer techniques. It provides substantial throughput improvements, outperforming traditional cloud transfer services by up to 4.6$\times$ for intra-cloud transfers and 5.0$\times$ for inter-cloud scenarios. This performance gain is achieved without excessive cost increases, showcasing the system's ability to navigate the complex landscape of cloud egress pricing effectively.

Detailed Methodology

The paper outlines the construction of Skyplane as an overlay network system that operates independently of the underlying cloud provider infrastructures. Utilizing a planner that employs MILP, Skyplane can determine optimal overlay paths and the necessary resource allocation to abide by user-defined constraints regarding price and performance. The system utilizes cloud elasticity, allowing for increased resource deployment in cloud regions when possible, thereby maximizing throughput.

Through comprehensive profiling of inter-region network throughput and the strategic use of parallel TCP connections, Skyplane enhances data transfer rates. Concurrently, it maintains cost-effectiveness by carefully choosing intermediate relay regions and parallel paths considering the price grid, throughput grid, and existing egress cost structures.

Implications and Future Directions

The implications of this work are substantial for cloud computing, especially for applications requiring high-volume data transfers across regions and providers. By optimizing both cost and performance, Skyplane not only meets but often exceeds the capabilities of existing cloud solutions. This has profound applications in sectors like machine learning, where data movement is both constant and critical.

Future work could explore the integration of Skyplane with various network optimization techniques to further refine cost-performance trade-offs. Additionally, assessing the impact of rapidly evolving cloud pricing models and expanding the evaluation metrics to include aspects like energy consumption could provide deeper insights into practical deployments.

Conclusion

Skyplane exemplifies the potential of overlay networks to resolve contemporary challenges in cloud computing environments. By addressing the dual concerns of throughput and cost, it contributes importantly to the field, offering academic insights and practical tools for cloud data management. The evaluation results, supported by significant empirical data, affirm the system’s efficacy and adaptability in a multi-cloud landscape.