System architecture is the descriptive representation of the system’s component functions and the communication flows between those components. This definition immediately raises some important questions. Please answer below questions:
-What are “components”?
-Which functions are relevant?
-What is a communication flow?
***References from western institutions Please
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Understanding System Architecture: Components, Functions, and Communication Flows
System architecture serves as a descriptive representation of a system’s component functions and the communication flows between them. To gain a clearer understanding of this definition, let’s explore the key concepts involved and address the questions raised.
Components in System Architecture
In system architecture, “components” refer to the fundamental building blocks or elements that make up a system. These components can be hardware, software, or a combination of both. They are designed to perform specific functions and interact with each other to achieve the system’s overall purpose.
Components can range from physical devices such as servers, routers, and sensors to software modules, databases, and user interfaces. Each component has its own set of functionalities and characteristics that contribute to the system’s overall behavior.
Relevant Functions in System Architecture
The functions relevant to system architecture vary depending on the specific system being designed or analyzed. The functions represent the tasks or operations that each component is responsible for within the system.
Relevant functions can include data processing, storage, communication, user interface interactions, security mechanisms, error handling, and various other tasks required to achieve the system’s objectives. These functions are typically defined based on the system’s requirements and desired capabilities.
For example, in an e-commerce system, relevant functions may include product catalog management, order processing, payment handling, user authentication, and inventory management.
Communication Flows in System Architecture
Communication flows refer to the exchange of information or data between components within a system. These flows depict how components interact and share data to accomplish their respective functions and enable the system to operate as intended.
Communication flows can be categorized into various types, including request-response interactions, event-driven notifications, publish-subscribe mechanisms, and data synchronization processes. The choice of communication flow depends on factors such as the nature of the components involved, the required timeliness of data exchange, and the overall system architecture design.
For instance, in a distributed system, components may communicate through message passing over a network using protocols like HTTP or messaging queues like RabbitMQ. The communication flow between components is crucial for maintaining the coordination and coherence of the overall system behavior.
References:
Bass L, Clements P, Kazman R. Software Architecture in Practice. Addison-Wesley Professional; 2012.
Shaw M, Garlan D. Software Architecture: Perspectives on an Emerging Discipline. Prentice Hall; 1996.
Clements P, Bachmann F, Bass L, et al. Documenting Software Architectures: Views and Beyond. Addison-Wesley Professional; 2010.
Kruchten P. The Rational Unified Process: An Introduction (3rd ed.). Addison-Wesley Professional; 2004.
Hofmeister C, Nord RL, Soni D. Applied Software Architecture. Addison-Wesley Professional; 2000.
