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Author : Richard Young Pr Eng, MSc(Eng)
Issue : 1
Date : 1992-10-16
A thesis submitted to the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Cape Town, in fulfillment of the requirements of an MSc(Eng) degree.
Abstract
This dissertation addresses system architecture concepts for the implementation of real-time distributed systems. In particular, it addresses the requirements of a specific mission and real-time critical distributed system application as this exemplifies most of the issues of concern. Of specific significance is the integration of real-time distributed data services into a platform-wide Information Management Infrastructure.
The dissertation commences with an overview of the system-level allocated requirements. Derived requirements for an Information Management Infrastructure (IMI) are then determined.
A generic system architecture is then presented in terms of the allocated and derived requirements. A specific topology, based on this architecture, as well as available technology, is described.
The scalability of the architecture to different platforms, including non-surface platforms, is discussed. as financial considerations are an important design driver and constraint, some anticipated order-of-magnitude system acquisition costs for a range of system complexities and configurations are briefly reviewed.
Finally some conclusions and recommendations within the context of the allocated and derived requirements, as well as the RSA's politico-economic environment, are offered.
Index Terms
Real-time, distributed computing, local area networks, LAN, fibre optic LAN's, information management, information technology, system architecture, system integration, mission-critical, fault-tolerant.