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arXiv · 2606.01440

Understanding Cross-Cloud Interconnects: Hands-On Measurements and Cost Optimization

Abstract

New services such as Google Cross-Cloud Interconnect (CCI) address the rise in fast and large-scale cross-cloud data transfers. CCI offers dedicated high-throughput links with low per-GB transfer costs, but also involves high fixed leasing fees and multi-day provisioning delays. This combination makes cost optimization difficult because traffic patterns are unpredictable. This paper presents the first comprehensive study of CCI-like services. We begin with an empirical characterization of CCI and its alternatives using direct measurements across AWS-GCP interconnects. We then introduce ToggleCCI, a new dynamic cost-optimization algorithm designed to handle provisioning delays and uncertainty in future demand. ToggleCCI adapts by switching between VPN and CCI based on cost trends observed over a sliding time window. We prove that ToggleCCI achieves asymptotic optimality under sustained high-demand or low-demand regimes. Finally, using real-world traffic traces, we show that ToggleCCI consistently tracks the best static policy for each scenario and delivers substantial cost savings.

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Eitan Eliav, Isaac Keslassy, David Breitgand, Dean H. Lorenz, Avi Weit. 2026-05-31. Understanding Cross-Cloud Interconnects: Hands-On Measurements and Cost Optimization. https://arxiv.org/abs/2606.01440

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