Energy-efficient data transfer primitives for laptops using mobile handhelds

Abstract

We introduce a novel mechanism for content distribution to large numbers of weakly connected laptops that can be switched off frequently and have intermittent network access. Relying on the user's data-enabled mobile phone and a gateway added to the data path between the laptop and the Internet, the mechanism builds upon two novel data-transfer primitives that efficiently move files across the network even when the laptop is switched off or sleeping, in a way that is fully transparent to the application layer. One primitive targets network-folder-based applications, while the other works for web-based applications. The primitives have been successfully deployed in the field as part of a solution for remote IT management of mobile-employee laptops.