Layer-Based Software Architecture Model

A Layer-Based Software Architecture Model is a software architecture pattern that organizes system components into distinct hierarchical layers (to support software system design through layered organization).

• AKA: N-Tier Architecture Pattern, Layered Software Architecture Pattern, Multitier Software Architecture Pattern.
• Context:
  • It can typically organize System Components through hierarchical structures.
  • It can typically isolate Core Functions through layer separation.
  • It can typically manage Data Flow through controlled interfaces.
  • It can typically enforce Security Controls through layer boundarys.
  • It can typically maintain System Maintainability through modular design.
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  • It can often implement System Evolution through layer modifications.
  • It can often support System Integration through layer interfaces.
  • It can often maintain System Performance through layer optimizations.
  • It can often enable Cross-Layer Communication through standardized protocols.
  • ...
  • It can range from being a Centralized Layered Software Architecture Pattern to being a Distributed Layered Software Architecture Pattern or a Federated Layered Software Architecture Pattern.
  • It can range from being a Backend Layered Software Architecture Pattern to being a Frontend Layered Software Architecture Pattern.
  • It can range from being a Monolithic Layered Software Architecture Pattern to being a Microservices Layered Software Architecture Pattern, depending on its system modularity.
  • It can range from being a Traditional Layered Software Architecture Pattern to being an AI-Native Layered Software Architecture Pattern, depending on its computational paradigm.
  • It can range from being a Simple Layered Software Architecture Pattern to being a Complex Layered Software Architecture Pattern, depending on its layer interdependency.
  • It can range from being a Static Layered Software Architecture Pattern to being a Dynamic Layered Software Architecture Pattern, depending on its runtime adaptability.
  • It can range from being a Core Layered Software Architecture Pattern to being an Extended Layered Software Architecture Pattern, depending on its architectural coverage.
  • ...
  • It can be supported by Architecturally Significant Requirements (captured in architectural decisions).
  • It can be referenced by an Information System Architecture Document, created by a Software-based System Architecture Design Task.
  • It can provide System Observability for performance monitoring.
  • It can enable Cross-Layer Testing through layer isolation.
  • It can support System Scalability via independent layer scaling.
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• Examples:
  • Core Software Architecture Patterns, such as:
    • Presentation Layer Software Architecture Patterns for user interface management.
    • Application Layer Software Architecture Patterns for component coordination.
    • Business Layer Software Architecture Patterns for business logic processing.
    • Persistence Layer Software Architecture Patterns for data access management.
    • Database Layer Software Architecture Patterns for data storage operations.
  • Supporting Software Architecture Patterns, such as:
    • Observability Layer Software Architecture Patterns for system monitoring.
    • Infrastructure Layer Software Architecture Patterns for resource management.
    • Integration Layer Software Architecture Patterns for system communication.
  • Implementation Software Architecture Patterns, such as:
    • E-Commerce Software Architecture Patterns for online retail.
    • Banking Software Architecture Patterns for financial transactions.
    • Content Management Software Architecture Patterns for content organization.
  • ...
• Counter-Examples:
  • Event-Driven Software Architecture Pattern, which uses event flow instead of layer hierarchy.
  • Microservices Software Architecture Pattern, which emphasizes service autonomy over layer dependency.
  • Peer-To-Peer Software Architecture Pattern, which uses decentralized communication instead of layered communication.
  • A Software Design Model, which focuses on detailed implementation rather than architectural structure.
  • An Organizational Architecture, which addresses business structure rather than software structure.
  • A Data Structure or Data Model, which defines data organization rather than system organization.
• See: Software-based System Architectural Pattern, Software System Design Pattern, Component Organization Pattern, Software Architecture Style.

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