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Difference in layer and tier architecture

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6 Nov 2011CPOL1 min read 89.5K   25   10
What is the difference in both architectures and benefits

N-layers of application may reside on the same physical computor(same tier) and the components in each layer communicates with the components of other layer by well defined interfaces. Layered architecture focuses on the grouping of related functionality within an application into distinct layers that are stacked vertically on top of each other. Communication between layers is explicit and loosely coupled. With strict layering, components in one layer can interact only with components in the same layer or with components from the layer directly below it.


The main benefits of the layered architectural style are:
Abstraction,Isolation, Manageability, Performance, Reusability, Testability.


N-tier architecture usually has atleast three separate logical parts, each located on separate physical server. Each tier is responsible for a specific functionality. Each tier is completely independent from all other tiers, except for those immediately above and below it. Communication between tiers is typically asynchronous in order to support better scalability.


The main benefits of tier achitecture styles are:



  • Maintainability: Because each tier is independent of the other tiers, updates or changes can be carried out without affecting the application as a whole.
  • Scalability: Because tiers are based on the deployment of layers, scaling out an application is reasonably straightforward.
  • Flexibility: Because each tier can be managed or scaled independently, flexibility is increased.
  • Availability: Applications can exploit the modular architecture of enabling systems using easily scalable components, which increases availability.

License

This article, along with any associated source code and files, is licensed under The Code Project Open License (CPOL)


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Ram is .Net Architect by profession and passion having 8 year experience. He has extensive experience on Microsoft Development Platform and is also Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD) for Web.
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Comments and Discussions

 
GeneralMy vote of 4 Pin
Member 1389332430-Jun-18 2:48
Member 1389332430-Jun-18 2:48 
QuestionMulti-process applications: is each process on a separate tier? Pin
ctietze29-Jan-15 3:18
ctietze29-Jan-15 3:18 
AnswerRe: Multi-process applications: is each process on a separate tier? Pin
guibirow21-Apr-15 19:55
guibirow21-Apr-15 19:55 
GeneralMy vote of 5 Pin
Pedro Contreras18-Jul-14 13:16
Pedro Contreras18-Jul-14 13:16 
GeneralMy vote of 5 Pin
Purushotham Agaraharam23-Sep-13 20:20
Purushotham Agaraharam23-Sep-13 20:20 
GeneralMy vote of 5 Pin
ojanacek18-Apr-13 5:21
ojanacek18-Apr-13 5:21 
GeneralMy vote of 5 Pin
symonsarwar20-Feb-13 1:44
symonsarwar20-Feb-13 1:44 
GeneralRe: My vote of 5 Pin
Ram Balak Sharma20-Feb-13 2:03
Ram Balak Sharma20-Feb-13 2:03 
GeneralMy vote of 5 Pin
aeternam16-Aug-12 21:28
aeternam16-Aug-12 21:28 
GeneralReason for my vote of 5 Clearly explained for the first time... Pin
Member 81415959-Nov-11 16:50
Member 81415959-Nov-11 16:50 

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