Techniques for architected data transfer are described. A controller maintains a network information database representing overarching knowledge of the network, such as the underlying communication infrastructure, resource consumption limits, and segment locations. The controller uses the information stored in the network information database to direct transmitters to transfer data segments to receivers in a manner that ensures relatively predictable resource consumption. In one approach, the controller receives a request to transfer data to a receiver. The controller, based on the information contained in the network information database, computes an optimal set of transmitters to participate in the transfer. The controller sends each transmitter in the optimal set an instruction assigning that transmitter to transfer one or more segments of the data to the receiver. Each transmitter, upon receiving the instructions, sends their respectively assigned data segments to the receiver.