A framework for optimizing file transfers between mobile devices and the cloud

An exponential growth of data traffic that originates on mobile devices and a shift toward cloud computing necessitate finding new approaches to optimize file transfers. Whereas compression utilities can improve effective throughput of file transfers between mobile devices and the cloud, finding the best-performing utility for a given file transfer is a challenging task. In this paper we introduce a framework for optimizing file transfers that relies on agents running on both mobile devices and the cloud. The agents are responsible to select an effective transfer mode by considering characteristics of files to be transferred, network conditions, and mobile device performance. The framework is implemented and experimentally evaluated for file uploads and downloads initiated from a smartphone, while varying WLAN network conditions. The results of the evaluation show that the framework effectively increases upload throughputs in range from 1.46 to 2.38 times relative to uncompressed uploads and from 1.02 to 2.97 times relative to default compressed uploads. Similarly, it improves download throughputs in range of 1.47 to 2.5 times relative to uncompressed downloads and up to 1.2 times relative to default compressed downloads.