Rise of infrastructure demands
The world is becoming a global hub and most of our activities are literally occurring in realms of networks. From the early inception of Internet gatekeepers which help boost the growth of web2 till date we are seeing unending growth. As many activities dissolve into the realm of data the question of which and which infrastructures will remain necessary has been raised. Exception of food, shelter and clothing which are the basic needs of humans, I see a growing need for network infrastructures in the future.
One needs to understand that the existence of networks and online realms is dependent on infrastructure. We are seeing big companies pushing the millions and billions of dollars in to get a suitable stand ahead of such high demands. There is a lot of technological competition and this seems to be unending. With internet and networking being incorporated into almost everything ranging from gadgets, home appliances and office equipment, energy and storage demands are also added questions.
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Maybe we should push further into what is basically in its peak; when talking about blockchain technology, web3 and artificial intelligence. How will the world be able to contend with this new technologies? The basics will be infrastructures to reduce latency in order to blot out congestion. Let's take for instance, how much energy does Bitcoin network consume yearly? This computational power is a must need for both its mining and network security. As of 2024, we are looking at over 100 terawatt-hours (an estimate between 100- 150 TWh). What runs it from the base? Of course infrastructures. It has been a concerning topic that has been elaborated when considering this network to feed 0.5% of the world's generated energy.
How about AI? When we thought we have seen the modern day energy rival when talking of blockchain tech and energy crypto demand like bitcoin, the sprouting of artificial intelligence shows there is even more energy in demand. AI is yet to overpower bitcoin in terms of energy demands, nevertheless, we are seeing a massive growth in this sector and who knows. Research shows that over 1,200 Megawatts-hour was needed to train Open AI's GPT-3. This energy range is estimated to run an average household in the US for 120 years. With big tech jumping into the AI ship we ALL know what this will account for.
Data explosion equals more infrastructure
Maybe we think we've seen it all. Don't doubt if I say this is just a tip of the iceberg. Blockchain tech, crypto, web3, AI, humanoids and even IoT devices are at their early phases. Have we considered how this turns out in the next decade? There is going to be an explosion of data, one that we are seeing centralized agencies doing their best to keep it cloned as usual. I only hope we come to full understanding early, before new tech operates the old ways. Let's leave this talk for another day. Nevertheless, what I am voicing out here is this, it will be liberating if this new tech becomes an open platform for all.
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That said, there is an expected global data jump from 33 zettabytes of 2018 to over 175 zettabytes in 2025. Compare this to 2010, when the internet was contending with just 2 zettabytes of data, how much can we talk of currently; 2023 data analysis captures 120- 120 ZB, this still points to needed growth in infrastructure demands. More data centers will eventually be installed, we are talking of hyper scale data centers here with scalable massive facilities and equipment to make internet activities more accessible. Adding to that, even smaller data units will play a huge part especially in the locals, we are talking of latency here and it still boils down to infrastructure.
There is a demanding rise in cloud storage and this will continue to expand, we are seeing major cloud storage providers like Google and Microsoft Azure making preparations to contend with future demands. Of course new cloud providers will certainly sprout in the process. opportunities are opening up for new companies to rise courtesy of high infrastructure needs to meet up cutting edge technology. When summing up all this, I am left to raise a question of 'how can the medium ponder upon these presented opportunities?'. Maybe, we don't necessarily understand how this will unravel yet it has a big part to play in who and who will win this race of data control. Why is it difficult to shift power from web2 currently?; they are the gatekeepers.
To conclude, let me add, there will be a continuous rise in infrastructural demands. Technology has become a full time data and energy beast. Settings up network hubs and signal towers to curb its demands must be ascertained. Even when speaking of all this infrastructures, it's sustenance will still rely upon infrastructures, think of the energy that will be needed to cool off this infrastructures regularly. We are talking of infrastructures built upon infrastructures to not only promote efficient network and data but to also maintain the entire structures. I don't know for you because all I can see from here are opportunities. I hope to position myself well to be a full beneficiary of where technology and all its counterparts are driving to. I keep on saying, knowledge is power, we must be prepared for whatever is coming, while some fear to loss, it could be a life changer, the secret is mindset.
Posted Using InLeo Alpha