Dynamic Network Bandwidth in IBM Cloud VPC

In conventional cloud environments, total bandwidth is typically static-defined at provisioning time and fixed throughout the lifecycle of the instance. This limited model introduces inefficiencies in cost-performance. In a static bandwidth model instances are either undersized or over-provisioned between daily tasks, and peak traffic time.
Under-provisioning can result in network saturation, degraded application performance, and increased latency during traffic spikes. These limitations are particularly problematic in hybrid and multi-cloud architectures, where workload patterns are dynamic and data exchange between environments is frequent.

Flexibility Within Predictable Performance Caps

IBM Cloud Bare Metal Servers for VPC introduces Dynamic Network Bandwidth, a feature that decouples bandwidth provisioning from static configuration and instead allows users to scale network performance needs to real-time workload requirements.

Each bare metal server in VPC is assigned a maximum bandwidth based on its profile generation (bx2-metal, bx3-metal, etc.).. Within this maximum allocation, bandwidth is shared across all user managed network interfaces.

The server bandwidth is managed by the server DPU  and distributes bandwidth to all vNICs automatically.  With additional automation users can manage precisely when to scale their bandwidth up or down to support burstable networking requirements, or minimize costs during off-hours.

Architectural Advantages of Dynamic Bandwidth in Hybrid Cloud Environments

Dynamic Bandwidth is particularly advantageous in hybrid and multi-cloud deployments. These architectures often involve variable data flows between on-premises systems, public cloud services, and edge locations. With Dynamic Network Bandwidth, IBM Cloud VPC can better support:

• Elastic throughput for interconnectivity: Data replication, backup, and synchronization tasks can utilize higher bandwidth during execution windows without requiring extensive reconfiguration.
• Support for burstable workloads: Applications that experience periodic spikes, such as batch processing, analytics, or CI/CD pipelines—benefit from temporary bandwidth scaling without incurring permanent cost increases.     
• Simplified network planning: Architects can design systems based on instance profiles rather than provisioning discrete bandwidth tiers, reducing complexity in capacity planning.

From a cost management perspective, dynamic bandwidth enables users to align network resource consumption with actual usage patterns. Clients can avoid the overhead of idle bandwidth and reduce overall cost of ownership for provisioning dedicated bare metal systems. This model supports a more granular and efficient approach to cloud cost governance, especially in environments where workload behavior is non-linear or event driven.

Get bandwidth that Adapts: optimizing hybrid workloads with IBM VPC

IBM Cloud Bare Metal Servers for VPC’s Dynamic Network Bandwidth feature addresses a critical gap in networking by introducing flexible throughput management at the infrastructure level. It eliminates the inefficiencies of fixed bandwidth provisioning, improves support for high performance network applications, and supports cost-optimized architecture design. For organizations building scalable, resilient, and financially sustainable hybrid cloud environments, Dynamic Bandwidth is a foundational capability that aligns infrastructure behavior with modern workload demands.

Try It with $1000 in IBM Cloud Credits

Not sure if IBM Cloud VPC is the right fit for your workloads? We’ve got you covered.

Use promo code VPC1000 to receive $1000 in IBM Cloud credits—so you can explore, test, and build on our Virtual Private Cloud platform with zero commitment.

Here’s how to get started:

1.) Sign Up: Create a new IBM Cloud account or log in to your existing one.

2.) Apply the Code: Use VPC1000 when provisioning your VPC Bare Metal Server.

3.) Build with Confidence: Start leveraging the scalability, security, and flexibility built into IBM Cloud VPC.

Explore IBM Cloud VPC and experience the future of cloud networking—on your terms.

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Additional Resources/Links:
IBM Virtual Private Cloud Bare Metal Catalogue Page
IBM Virtual Private Cloud Bare Metal Networking
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