This invention is a system and method for network management for data transfer which may include replication in a data storage environment. It is useful for managing network allocation of resources (e.g., bandwidth) needed for such replication of data in a data storage environment. The invention is particularly useful with a network using an internet protocol environment and allows for management of bandwidth needed for a replication process. The method includes the steps of requesting from a server for services on an internet network, a bandwidth for data transfer over the internet. The data is transferred in response to a bandwidth allocation from the server based on the request. The network traffic characteristics (e.g. packet loss or latency, and session time outs) are monitored during the data transfer. If the process lags behind more bandwidth is allocated.