Wenhan Fu Week 2 Blog: Database, Network, Sociology, Future

Wenhan Fu

Week 2 Blog: Database, Network, Sociology, Future

Database has already been used for decades in a ton of different industries. It provides the users with more efficiency to access, backup and analysis the different data sets. As the internet industry growing exponentially, the database industry also has tremendous changes. The increasingly enormous amounts of data flooding websites and businesses and the different database system brings chaos [1]. Therefore, many companies may find out there once organized data nowadays are promiscuous. In the future, the one database that can provide a single system that does everything from full-text search to in-memory storage, graph analysis, and more will be the solution to the companies to reorganize its data [1].

Another close topic will be the network, network consists of two or more computers that are linked in order to share resources and exchange files. It has been changed a lot within the past decades, it has become wireless, faster, safer and etc. In the future, it will continue to develop mostly in these aspects: The demise of the WLAN controller, ethernet switches become transparent, everything else in the cloud [2]. Moreover, the speed of the network has been improved a lot in the last 10 years, nowadays 4G network has been covered for 99% of the United States territory, the next generation which is the 5G network has already been standardized and will be used commercially with in the next few years.

Sociology contains a lot of topics. With the development of the modern technology, the study of the sociology also looked over in these prospective. One of the is the threats of the robotics. With the robotics ability to learn, many scientists are concerned that developments in human technology may soon pose new, extinction-level risks to our species as a whole [3]. It is truly a dialectical topic and will be discuss a lot I the future.

1.      Finley, K. “World’s Many Databases Unite to Form One Simple Super-services” Wired.com, Feb. 2014, https://www.wired.com/2014/02/orchestrate/

2.      Mathias, C. “What is the future of networking for enterprises?” SearchingNetworking. Com, N.A, https://searchnetworking.techtarget.com/opinion/What-is-the-future-of-networking-for-enterprises

3.      N.A. “Foundation to Study the threats from robotics and other future technologies.” N.A. http://cser.org/index.html

Comments on Robert Borrelli's post:

I see you focused a lot on architectural field and that is what I have not been focused on. Your post provided me with some details about the database important pieces of information and other insights. But maybe a little more discussion about the future development will be even better for your post.

Comments on Alkiviadis Tsitsios's post:

Your post is really interesting and you noticed a lot of insights of these three topics. One thing interesting that caught up my mind is the 5G network. As you stated, it is really a fast pace the network development and I am really curious where will this fast growing industry leads us to.

Blog 1-Future Database, Network and Sociology

     As we can see from our lifelog, cloud-based containers and serverless computing model are very popular today. Containers allow people host applications inside portable, isolated environments. Serverless functions can execute code on-demand. People only need to pay for the time the code actually runs, which allows organizations to stop the server running constantly when the applications only serve part time. Containers and serverless are not perfect for all situations, but they can fit in most of the workloads. They can help to quickly deploy applications and scale services, also they help on saving money. The containers and the serverless do not have to work with each other hand-in-hand, they can be used without another, but both of them are scalable and cost-efficient computing. [1]

     The network and database are used commonly in the society today. Some University provided Echo Dots to students last year, which is a voice-activated devices program. It can be used to answer same specific question about the campus, for instance the meal plans and the office hours of for building. Students first learned to bring the device into their life to ask about the weather or play music. Then students wanted to ask more-personalized answers like: What my last test score? The network then should be more complicated because it needs to contain more private information, and the system would grow up soon. [2]

     The database can also used to shape our future cities. The information gathers from smartphone GPS chips, transport cards and street sensors could be used to ease congestion or manage waste, but it can also create a "pernicious feedback loop". These predictive policing data could impact city planning and resource allocation, since people and company would not like to move to areas in high crime rate. On the other hand, the big data is not always right. Some people use apps like Google map to mediate their trip with transport instructions, however, they can be optimized by speed or distance, but not scenic route or environment. [3]

1.      Tozzi, Christopher. “Containers and the Serverless Computing Model: What AWS, Azure and Google Offer.” Nov 29, 2018. https://www.itprotoday.com/programming-languages/containers-and-serverless-computing-model-what-aws-azure-and-google-offer

2.      Ellis, Lindsay. “Hey, Alexa, Should We Bring Virtual Assistants to Campus? These Colleges Gave Them a Shot.” AUGUST 02, 2018. https://www.chronicle.com/article/Hey-Alexa-Should-We-Bring/244129?cid=wb&utm_source=wb&utm_medium=en&elqTrackId=fca8c6a17b7943d696dd417c6c7d660f&elq=02622bf46f104a1d98af1a2355bb2f4b&elqaid=19988&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=9293

3.      Bogle, Ariel. “Big data is going to shape our future cities. Will it treat us all equally?” 14 Mar 2018. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-03-15/big-data-algorithms-equality-future-cities/9544138

Comments

Alkiviadis Tsitsios:

Like what you mentioned in the network part, the containers become more and more popular today. Deploying applications become easier with containers, and it works well with serverless computing model as well. When the technology grows up rapidly, there are positive and negative effects, and sometimes the fake data appears.

Samantha Huttick

I agree with the design purpose you said about robots. They are usually designed for the tasks that people can not work on, like working in dangerous situations and doing very accurate works. Robots can also help as a delivery person or performer for disables, and even able to be used in very accurate medical operations.

Jenny Fretta

I agree with how you describe the 3D printing and how we delivering from 2D printing (CAD) to 3D printing (CAD). As an engineer who also study in interior and architecture design area, I can obviously see the superiority of 3D printing, which cost less; reduce the time to make a models; increase the accuracy of the models. More materials can be used in 3D printing models today, it even broadens the use of 3D printing. All of these provide a better visual experience for clients

Blog 1- Database, Network, Sociology, Future (Borrelli, Robert)

Week 2

Robert Borrelli

B1

Database, Network, Sociology, Future

Database [1]

Throughout the span of an architectural project, there are a lot of pieces of information that have to be kept track of. The most important pieces of information include:

• intermediate analysis results during planning and design,
• design documents, including drawings and specifications,
• construction schedules and cost estimates,
• quality control and assurance records,
• chronological files of project correspondence and memorandum,
• construction field activity and inspection logs,
• legal contracts and regulatory documents. [1] 

One of the best ways to organize most of these types of data would be a database. The way that a database is typically used can be described as a relational data model. This can be accomplished by having rows of data, where each column contains a certain relationship to a specific attribute. Databases will become increasingly important as time progresses and processes become more automated. Having an organized bookkeeping system will make it easy on the coders and automated system that the coders plan to implement.

Network [2]

Internet Protocol networks are extremely important for all kinds of buildings. Sensors that automate climate control and security are often connected to a network. Cameras can be connected to the internet so they can be accessed from anywhere in the world and climate control systems can gather real-time climate data from network-connected temperature, pressure and humidity sensors. While this does make buildings a lot easier to manage, it raises some potential threats. Anything that is connected to the internet can be hacked and taken advantage of. This makes it necessary to take cybersecurity measures to keep unauthorized users from having access to the network, cameras and climate control systems.

Sociology [3]

Architectural Sociology tries to explain the impact that architectural design has on people. This is a very important idea that a designer must think about while in the process of designing a building. Their choices have a big impact on how people act and what people do in the space that they design. The design of a building also has to take into account the environment it is being put in to. Sociologists can give extremely important information to an architect in terms of what the community needs now as well as in the future. The author of the article referenced admits that this is a small field and it will likely take a lot of time to make a difference in the architectural field.

Reference:

[1] https://www.cmu.edu/cee/projects/PMbook/14_Organization_and_Use_of_Project_Information.html

[2]

https://www.hpac.com/managing-facilities/understanding-networks-modern-building-automation-systems

[3]

http://www.asanet.org/sites/default/files/savvy/footnotes/dec02/fn17.html

Comments

To Kunlun Ren (AI, Computer, Software)

It’s very interesting to see how China’s use of AI in the public transportation sector is far ahead of the US. Some of the US rail systems still don’t have swipeable cards to enter a train. China’s use of facial recognition in this field is sure to make public transportation easier, faster and safer for all involved.

To Richard Kimball (Security, AI, Computing)

I completely agree that many people only see the positives to adding more technology and connected devices into our daily lives. If more things become connected to the internet, the value of hacking will only increase as time goes on. Many companies are more focused on making a “smart device” without thinking of the security risks that come along with it. There are a lot of steps that can be taken by the consumer to help protect themselves from a cyber attack, but the majority of the population either doesn’t know there is a risk or don’t have the technological background to prevent it.

B1 - Databases, Network, Sociology, Future_Alkiviadis Tsitsios Week 2

As humans cross the bridge from 2018 to 2019, technological advancements are moving at an exponential pace. It is up to humans to keep up with that pace, and make sure that they are advancing as a whole, while technologies make strides [4]. While considering the future, even further than the unknown of 2019, databases, networks, and sociology must be considered. All three of these points will help shape the future [1]. 

The first impact on the future can be related to how databases are changing, with the increased popularity of ‘containers” [3]. Containers allow the user to host applications in portable environments. Containers are helpful because they make the process of using applications and scale services much easier [3]. This is because the user does not have to manage multiple servers. Amazon Web Services, or AWS offers elastic container service which automates much of the infrastructure that is required to deploy a container task [3]. 

Along with databases comes networks. That word, “networks”, can be attributed in more ways than one. In particular, it can be interpreted in terms of cellular networks. Cellular networks will be making the transition between 4G and 5G [2]. This transition will greatly increase mobile internet speeds. It will likely allow downloads to occur in a matter of seconds. This faster network will increase the technological gap, it will influence the spread of artificial intelligence. Phone carriers have already previewed 5G smartphone prototypes [2].

Finally, the last influential factor on the future is the sociological factor. While technology is booming, sights are set on large goals, and wild promises are made, one detail is being forgotten. Originally, Steve Jobs and Bill Gates had visions to place a PC on every person’s desk in the world. Now, the goal seems to be to place a “computer” inside of everything [1]. The goal is to connect everything technologically. With the invention of Alexa, and other home devices that competitors are testing, the goal is to connect everyone and everything. This idea seems exciting. It would allow for a much easier user interface and it would change the way the world works. Social constructs would change, and it is important to consider that the change may not be for the better [1]. Overall, Databases, networks, and sociology will shape the future. 

1. Manjoo, Farhad. “A Future Where Everything Becomes a Computer Is as Creepy as You Feared.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 10 Oct. 2018, www.nytimes.com/2018/10/10/technology/future-internet-of-things.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Ftechnology&action=click&contentCollection=technology®ion=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=2&pgtype=sectionfront.

2.Clark, Don. “5G Is Coming This Year. Here's What You Need to Know.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 31 Dec. 2018, www.nytimes.com/2018/12/31/technology/personaltech/5g-what-you-need-to-know.html?partner=rss&emc=rss.

3.Tozzi, Christopher. “Containers and the Serverless Computing Model: What AWS, Azure and Google Offer.” IT Pro, 29 Nov. 2018, www.itprotoday.com/programming-languages/containers-and-serverless-computing-model-what-aws-azure-and-google-offer.

4.Marvin, Rob. “What Tech Will Look Like in 2039.” PCMAG, PCMAG.COM, 3 Jan. 2019, www.pcmag.com/news/365676/what-tech-will-look-like-in-2039.

Comments

Tyler Madden

Our post draws many parallels, like how you talked about cloud computing, I spoke about containers. I admire your contribution relating to the Global Data Protection Regulation. This is a sociological factor that must be considered. It is important to regulate and allow regular people to have access/control to their information. Companies that can not follow GDPR are performing immoral practices. Their regulation of the data is not trustworthy. 

Yicheng Li

The way you tied in the tags, starting with BIM, to 3D Printing, into construction, it was very articulate. Bim is the design, 3D is the model, and construction is the result. It is clear how the three tie into one another, and how altogether, they will impact the future. These new technologies all go hand in hand, and will shape the way construction will undergo in the future. 

Michael Tse
BIM will greatly influence the future, I agree. And the internet of things plays a big role into the future of BIM, but you failed to relate 3D printing to BIM and the future. It is important to incorporate 3D printing because it is directly related to BIM. It allows users to mass produce models of designs that can be converted into structures, which was also failed to be mentioned. Overall, your analysis of the future of BIM was good.

Blog Post 1- The Future of Sociology, Databases, and Networking

As time has gone on, data has been the defining backbone for all of society. Everything has a perceived data value. Think about a couple of random questions one could ask for a second: How much do you walk on a typical Monday? How many people purchased batteries last week? Everything can be answered and represented by data. How do data and databases fit into the future perspective? After all, databases have been around for quite a while, especially when thinking about government tax collection and census creation. The difference now and for the future, though, is that “data about our habits and movements flow in a continuous stream” [1] and there is no break. There are no more gaps in any data collection practices. Databases can be quite literally filled with data at every second of every day as people worldwide are plugged into their devices. Personally, I see no problem with databases having knowledge of my spending habits, travel habits, or any other “personal” data. For the future, though, the ethical question of “do people want companies with which they are not affiliated to have databases full of stored data about them,” will be a huge debate. 

A discussion of “big data” and databases transitions quite nicely into a discussion about the future in a sociological perspective. As was mentioned before, data has shaped society and will continue to do so in the future. Will human society continue to be “on board” with this idea, or will people call for redevelopment, restructure, and a change in functionality? It seems as though we’ve made a decision already. Think about society for a second- is there really anyone left that does not have a personal computer or smart device? By having such items, we’ve signed away any personal data to the makers of the sites we visit, the devices we use, and any future companies that desire our data. Society has been shaped by technology, and it is something we must accept. In fact, “more than 40 years ago, Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft with a vision for putting a personal computer on every desk” [3]. While obviously not everyone has a Microsoft product, the idea that everyone will have somesort of technological product has come to fruition. Everyone is “plugged in” to society’s technology-based future. Additionally, “no one is really doing much to stop it” [3] because we believe that there might not be an issue with it. There are so many benefits to technology and data-led society that there is no need to try to fight it. 

Finally, now that data and databases have been discussed in relation to sociology, the future with respect to networking can be brought up. It is quite obvious that there is a network that connects us all- the internet. Unless one physically turns off all of one’s devices and relocates to the middle of the woods somewhere remote, it is nearly impossible to go about the day without being connected to the internet. The future is sure to continue to rely on the internet, as people consume news, weather reports, and other relevant data on this international network. While the internet is quite young relatively speaking, there is no doubt that online “networking is the new norm” [2]. Coming into contact with other people in a virtual way will be the way of the future. Even now, we see that most job applications happen online. There is no more “walk into the company’s office and hand in your résumé,” as this has been replaced with online practices. The digital network is the way of the future. 

References:

[1] Bogle, Ariel. Big data is Going to Shape Our Future Cities. Will it Treat Us All Equally?ABC Science. January 2019. 

[2] Henry-Stocker, Sandra. The Future of Networking: Open Source Networking is the ‘New Norm’. 5 October 2018.
[3] Manjoo, Farhad. A Future Where Everything Becomes a Computer Is as Creepy as You FearedState of the Art. 10 October 2018.

Comments on Other Posts:

Albert Hanan, your first paragraph was extremely intriguing. It is humorous that people quite often claim to not be interested in the buzzwords that you outlined, yet ironically every aspect of their lives incorporate those ideas. I have found myself rolling my eyes at articles that talk about AI being “huge” thinking that I would just be reading about more irrelevant “wordage” yet AI is in every part of my technology-based lifestyle. It’s interesting that you mention the data leaks from Facebook and the general sense of discomfort and fear that most people felt during that period. I mentioned in my own blog post that the idea of companies having data about me has never really bothered me that much. If I get targeted ads or recommendations from one website because another service gave them my data, I feel like that’s not too big of an issue personally. It has only ever improved my experience online. Sure, there can be drawbacks, especially if reallyprivate information such as credit card information were to be exposed. Your post gives me a really different sense of just how hugeof an impact data sharing has on day-to-day life. I was not aware of Facebook Pixel’s existence and the concept of it is quite impressive. Data sharing and AI is so deeply woven into everyone’s lives today and will continue to be there in the future. 

            Gabriel Grajewski, I found the third part of your post to be quite interesting. It is true that job loss is occurring on such a large scale due to automation. The point you make that society will not take the steps to lessen the negative impact that comes with automation connects quite nicely with a point I made in my post. AI, automation, technology, and all other new developments have come into our lives, and we’ve accepted them with open arms. As we’ve slowly realized that some things cause problems, we’ve been quick to shrug them off as the technology is so deeply woven into our society. We recognize the issues but we’ve done nothing to remedy them. 

            Christian Tait, I share your interest and fascination with 3D printing! To think that something can be printed in 3D space from a virtual model is still an awesome feat in technological development. It is incredible to me that items can be printed in materials as complex as glass and metal. This begs the question: how far can we take 3D-printing? Additionally, as a mechanical engineering student, the concept of BIM is new to me. I was not aware of its existence yet at the same time it makes complete sense. The ability to go straight from design to manufacturing is fantastic and I’m excited to learn more about it. 

About This Blog

AE-410/510 is a course primarily for Seniors and Graduate Students in Architectural Engineering at Drexel University in Philadelphia, USA.  We consider the uses of Information Technology on the Design, Construction and Operation of buildings, hence the course title: Intelligent Buildings.

This blog is created by students in the course responding to assignments and class exercises.  Use the "Labels" on the right to see the work of individual students OR the topics on which they've written.

The syllabus for the course is available from the "Pages" link.