In one example, a method performed by a client includes measurement of an available bandwidth of a communication path between the client and another entity. Data deduplication rate information is accessed concerning one or more historical deduplication processes performed in connection with the client, and the client determines a required bandwidth associated with a future transfer of a target dataset between the client and another entity along the communication path. The required bandwidth is expressed partly in terms of a data deduplication rate (DDR), and the target data set includes data generated at the client. Finally, when the available bandwidth exceeds the required bandwidth, the client transfers the target dataset from the client to the other entity, and when the available bandwidth is inadequate to support transfer of the target dataset, the client sends an alert to the other entity indicating that the available bandwidth is inadequate.