A Distributed database management system; such as V2X for autonomous cars is abbreviated as DDBMS. For it is a custom set of various logical and interrelated databases distributed over a more comprehensive network. This networked database mechanism offers a unique approach to making the data distribution more transparent and useful. It also can be more energy efficient if done correctly.
DDBMS is found to be a very user-friendly approach to manage centralized applications. That means managing distributed databases. It can effectively synchronize data periodically and also ensure that any changes made to this data by the users are instantly reflected and updated universally in the centralized DB.
DDBMS is now widely used in terms of data warehousing, in which an increased data volumeis stored, processed, and retrieved by a large number of users from various locations. Along with this, DDBMS serves to database clients also well. This type of database system is now effectively used to manage distributed data in networks and maintain high confidentiality and data integrity. Distributed DBMS is also designed with heterogeneous DBMS platforms in mind and focuseson effectively handling heterogeneous database systems.
What is V2X?
As I’ve written before about this. Especially due to the work Panasonic is going about V2X. Yet V2X will be the databases and servers globally storing all the possible driving scenarios. Moreover the. how to avert them creating safer and less congested roads. So that’s a lot of data. And a lot of data servers!
Connected vehicles and infrastructure can make highways up to 80% safer. Better connections mean we all get through the day with greater ease and convenience. People receive the information they need, right when they need it. Cities adapt to the needs of citizens. V2X is a new concept but it’s cars talk to drivers and each other to avoid collisions. And planes keep pilots informed about the weather, and passengers in touch with their lives below.
Back in 2011, I went to an Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) conference. We were in a symposium with other media. All we were taking about was V2X back then. Now it’s painted in the Street lines. For there are sensors connecting to the car sensors creating this insane amount of data. Most importantly to help save lives. That’s a lot of databases too!
As Panasonic states V2X is the car to everything Meta Data. That’s related (or connected vehicle technology). While it’s not the most popular term yet, it will be.
Technology Runs this Travel Data
As I’ve learned, Panasonic has a Connected Vehicle Demo Center. One that’s collecting travel data. I mean from various sources. So then it communicates that information across a “technological ecosystem”.
So most importantly, I mean it’s not just about collecting the data. The secret sauce is then taking that ton of data and doing right by it. Or as they say making it into “intelligent, actionable information for roadway operators and drivers.”
In cars today, it will even sense people on sidewalks or at crosswalks.
V2X wireless communication makes moving vehicles and people visible. This technology enables vehicle to vehicle signals. Then vehicle to pedestrian communication. As well as it then takes all that information to make sure every car on the road knows about what’s going on. As Panasonic Staff told me personally, V2X will help prevent traffic accidents. So to me: that’s how we do things. All to make traffic safe and focused on driving.
How does DDBMS work?
As the name suggests, distributed database management is the process of distributing the given database across the network of distributed computers to ensure a more efficient database management approach. The structure of data servers used for these distributed DBMS systems may be located at the same physical premises or distributed globally at different sites to be connected and managed through a single DBMS system. Such distributed databases may be hosted either on a network server or the corporate intranets/extranets. It is also popular to store distributed data on independent decentralized machines hosted on the internet.
The need for distributed database / the purpose served
Let us have a quick overview of the five significant needs for a distributed database.
A. Flexibility
Flexibility or tunability is the principal primary reason why users adopt distributed database management systems. With the complex nature of modern-day organizations and the number of different transactions happen on each given second, it becomes crucial that the data servers and data-centric applications are also flexible enough to adapt to the ever-changing user demands without tampering the basic functions of the database systems.
Considering an example for the above requirement. One machine functions to support a web server. One that may have to cater to a vast volume of smaller transactions. That’s whereas a given database server hosting a data warehouse. Now that may have to serve to a comparatively lower volume of transactions. However, those are more complex. In addition and in the distributed DBMS. Meaning these functions are kept separated. Seems it’s easily configured by the developers. Finally and the users based on their unique requirements.
B. Fault tolerance
Think of a system where the applications and the server are located. All on the same computer or system and if one of them fails and disrupts the whole system!
The DDMS, the server and application are located on a network of computers. Therefore failure of a component does not affect the system. It becomes fault-tolerant. Which is extremely important, primarily when used by large organizations.
C. Security
As per the RemoteDBA expert findings, the components of a DDBMS are more independent of one another. That’s in comparison and both in terms of location and working principles. Even when one of these components gets compromised; you good. For it will not affect the overall system. This will mostly help to ensure the security of database systems.
D. Scalability
Scalability is another crucial need for growing organizations as the data volume increases. You know and I mean with any company. With this, they also need a better database management system. One which most of the time for you can become a challenge.
That’s as well as if the DBMS used is non-scalable.
Whereas in the case of distributed database systems, the organizations can scale up or down. That’s with their existing system network with ease.
E. Cost
As in any advanced technology, DDBMS is also focused on reducing costs. That’s by creating a wider network with smaller computers. All which spread across a larger geographical footprint. More than maintaining big larger data servers.
Major functions of DDBMS
So now we know who needs to consider DDBMS now. Then let us explore the significant functions of distributed database management systems.
1. Cataloging
First of all, DDBMS are distributed databases. Moreover and across multiple locations. Then it becomes even more crucial to catalog the stored data confidentiality. As well as autonomously and correctly. All the database details relate to data distribution, replication, and fragmentation. All need to be included in the database catalog. One which is also ever-expanding and dynamic.
2. Recoverability
So one major benefit of DDMS is it’s decentralized. One that spreads across a more comprehensive network of machines. All that work with independent interconnected components.
So the recovery of data from a particular site is one prominent feature of distributed systems. If there is any problem with a specific location; I mean no problem. Because a well-built DDBMS system will remain robust. For that means there are duplicate backup systems. Thereby recovering data quickly from another location.
3. Database security
As discussed above, security is a crucial advantage of distributed database systems. I mean so the ever-increasing use of the same by organizations. Even the most complex security compliance measures are possible. Especially on distributed systems. I mean primarily as the data is stored at multiple locations.
4. Distributed query processing
The most effective distributed query processing is effectively used in DDBMS. Especially as the data is located at various sites.
5. Management of data transaction
In a DDBMS, transactions are taking place in various systems at different physical locations. To complete a given transaction, the Data Transaction Manager may communicate with many local transaction databases.
Final Pros and Cons
Some of the other significant advantages of DDBMS are that they are highly cost-effective. They are easily scalable as your business grows. All for better security, central autonomy and better fault tolerance in case of a single site failure. Finally and better performance than centralized DBs, etc.
The disadvantages are that the installation of DDBMS may be expensive in the long run. Especially as it may need a higher number of resources to make it useful.
Along with this, the need for data updating at different sites can be detrimental. For it may also adversely affect data integrity needs.
In conclusion, you always need to run due diligence. For that’s to understand your exact database administration to choose. I mean between a centralized or DDBMS solution.
