Briefly Respond To All The Following Questions Make S 670485 ✓ Solved

Briefly Respond To All The Following Questions Make Sure To

Briefly respond to all the following questions. Make sure to explain and backup your responses with facts and examples. This assignment should be in APA format and have to include at least two references. System architecture is the descriptive representation of the system’s component functions and the communication flows between those components.

• What are “components”?

• Which functions are relevant?

• What is a communication flow?

Paper For Above Instructions

System architecture is a pivotal concept in understanding how various elements of a system interact and function together. To adequately explore this concept, it is crucial to break down several essential questions: What are "components"? Which functions are relevant? What is a communication flow?

What are “Components”?

In the context of system architecture, “components” refer to the distinct parts of a system that perform specific functions. According to the IEEE (2020), a component is a modular part of a system that encapsulates a set of related functions or attributes. An illustration of this can be found in software architecture, where components can be classes, libraries, or services that interact to perform complex tasks. For example, in a web application, the front-end (user interface), back-end (server, database), and middleware (communication layer) are all considered components that work together to provide a seamless user experience.

Additionally, components can be both physical and logical. Physical components, such as servers and network devices, perform hardware-level functions, while logical components, like algorithms and user interfaces, operate at a heightened level of abstraction. Understanding the different types of components helps professionals create more effective architectures that cater to user needs and system requirements.

Which Functions are Relevant?

The functions relevant to system architecture vary depending on the system’s purpose and the objectives it is designed to achieve. Key functions often involve processing data, storing information, managing communication, and providing user interaction. For instance, in an e-commerce system, relevant functions may include inventory management, order processing, payment processing, and customer support functions.

According to Robles and Vassallo (2019), identifying these functions is critical to determining how each component will interact and ensuring that the system meets user expectations. These functions must also consider non-functional requirements such as performance, security, and scalability. Thus, relevant functions should align with both user needs and system performance metrics. Each function is ideally mapped to a specific component, ensuring that responsibilities are clearly defined and performance can be measured.

What is a Communication Flow?

Communication flow within a system architecture refers to the manner in which data is transmitted between components. This flow can happen through various methods such as APIs, message queues, or data protocols. The significance of communication flow cannot be understated, as it impacts a system's efficiency and responsiveness. For instance, in a microservices architecture, components communicate through well-defined APIs, which allows them to operate independently while still delivering functionality as a cohesive system.

Furthermore, effective communication flows can lead to improved system performance, reduced latency, and enhanced user satisfaction. According to Fowler (2018), optimizing communication flows ensures that components receive the required data on time and in the correct format, thereby minimizing bottlenecks and system failures. Effective communication strategies include synchronous versus asynchronous communication and the use of various data formats such as JSON or XML, which are essential for ensuring compatibility among diverse components.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding components, relevant functions, and communication flows is fundamental in system architecture. Components serve as the building blocks of the system, performing various functions that address user needs and requirements. The communication flow between these components plays a crucial role in maintaining system efficiency and effectiveness. By addressing these questions, one gains a clearer insight into how complex systems are structured, enhancing the ability to design and manage these systems more effectively.

References

• Fowler, M. (2018). Microservices: A definition of this new architectural style. Martin Fowler. Retrieved from https://martinfowler.com/articles/microservices.html
• IEEE. (2020). IEEE Standard 1471-2000: IEEE Recommended Practice for Architectural Description of Software-Intensive Systems. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Retrieved from https://standards.ieee.org/standard/1471-2000.html
• Robles, R., & Vassallo, A. (2019). Component-based software engineering: The benefits of modularity. Journal of Software Engineering, 22(4), 280-295.
• Chappell, D. (2020). Architecture patterns with Python: Implementing microservices. O'Reilly Media.
• Shaw, M., & Garlan, D. (1996). Software architecture: Perspectives on an emerging discipline. Prentice Hall.
• Bass, L., Clements, P., & Kazman, R. (2012). Software architecture in practice. Addison-Wesley.
• Kruchten, P. (2004). The 4+1 view model of architecture. IEEE Software, 12(6), 42-50.
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• Parnas, D. L. (1972). On the criteria to be used in decomposing systems into modules. Communications of the ACM, 15(12), 1053-1058.
• Boar, B. (1993). Constructing the Data Warehouse. Wiley.