a description of all functional activities to be performed to achieve the desired result, the system elements needed to perform the functions, and the designation of performance levels of those system elements. An architecture also includes information on the technologies, interfaces, and location of functions and is considered an evolving description of an approach to achieving the desired result.
[t]he fundamental organization of a system embodied in its components, their relationships to each other, and to the environment, and the principles guiding its design and evolution.[4]
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[a] specification that identifies a structure of elements, their relationship, their integration and the principles and guidelines governing the design.[5]
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[A] highly structured specification of an acceptable approach within a framework for solving a specific problem. An architecture contains descriptions of all the components of a selected, acceptable solution, while allowing certain details of specific components to be variable to satisfy related constraints (e.g., costs, local environment, user acceptability).[6]
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Smart grid[]
Architecture is
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the conceptual structure and overall organization of the Smart Grid from the point of view of its use or design. This includes technical and business designs, demonstrations, implementations, and standards that, together, convey a common understanding of the Smart Grid. The architecture embodies high-level principles and requirements that designs of Smart Grid applications and systems must satisfy.[7]
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Telecommunications[]
Architecture is
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(1) The design principles, physical configuration, functional organization, operational procedures, and data formats used as the bases for the design, construction, modification, and operation of a communications network. (2) The structure of an existing communications network, including the physical configuration, facilities, operational structure, operational procedures, and the data formats in use.[8]
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Wireless[]
Architecture is
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[t]he set of technical rules and regulatory practices governing the operation of wireless systems across the entire radio spectrum.[9]