Open systems architecture: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 05:02, 18 January 2006

Revision as of 03:35, 20 February 2006

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{{cleanup-date|November 2005}}

In [[telecommunication]], the term '''open systems architecture''' means the layered hierarchical structure, [[computer configuration|configuration]], or model of a [[information transfer|communications]] or distributed [[data processing]] [[system]] that (a) enables system description, design, development, installation, [[operation]], improvement, and [[repair and maintenance|maintenance]] to be performed at a given [[layer]] or layers in the hierarchical structure, (b) allows each layer to provide a [[set]] of accessible functions that can be controlled and used by the functions in the layer above it, (c) enables each layer to be implemented without affecting the implementation of other layers, and (d) allows the alteration of system performance by the modification of one or more layers without altering the existing equipment, procedures, and protocols at the remaining layers.

Examples of independent alterations include (a) converting from wire to optical fibers at a [[physical layer]] without affecting the data-link layer or the network layer except to provide more [[traffic capacity]], and (b) altering the operational protocols at the [[telecommunications network|network]] level without altering the physical layer.