Reference Architecture Framework Research Articles

The HORSE framework: A reference architecture for cyber-physical systems in hybrid smart manufacturing

In the Industry 4.0 era, manufacturers strive to remain competitive by using advanced technologies such as collaborative robots, automated guided vehicles, augmented reality support and smart devices. However, only if these technological advancements are integrated into their system context in a seamless way, they can deliver their full potential to a manufacturing organization. This integration requires a system architecture as a blueprint for positioning and interconnection of the technologies. For this purpose, the HORSE framework, resulting from the HORSE EU H2020 project, has been developed to act as a reference architecture of a cyber-physical system to integrate various Industry 4.0 technologies and support hybrid manufacturing processes, i.e., processes in which human and robotic workers collaborate. The architecture has been created using design science research, based on well-known software engineering frameworks, established manufacturing domain standards and practical industry requirements. The value of a reference architecture is mainly established by application in practice. For this purpose, this paper presents the application and evaluation of the HORSE framework in 10 manufacturing plants across Europe, each with its own characteristics. Through the physical deployment and demonstration, the framework proved its goal to be basis for the well-structured design of an operational smart manufacturing cyber-physical system that provides horizontal, cross-functional management of manufacturing processes and vertical control of heterogeneous technologies in work cells. We report on valuable insights on the difficulties to realize such systems in specific situations. The experiences form the basis for improved adoption, further improvement and extension of the framework. In sum, this paper shows how a reference architecture framework supports the structured application of Industry 4.0 technologies in manufacturing environments that so far have relied on more traditional digital technology.

Open RAN Deployment Using Advanced Radio Link Manager Framework to Support Mission Critical Services in 5G

Next generation networks or 5G will be “network of networks” that can support ultra-reliable and low latency communication, high data rate, huge connectivity and high security. Network transformation stirring towards virtualized Radio Access Network (v-RAN) and intelligent resource management are foreseen as key solutions to realise such varied 5G requirements. Effective Radio Resource Management (RRM) is crucial for Mission Critical (MC) services to underpin communication between smartphone, massive machines and tiny sensor devices. The paper explores pioneering research related to architecture and intelligent RRM that helps Service Providers (SPs) to design reference framework of an advanced Radio Link Manager (RLM) enabled by Machine Learning (ML). One example optimization for commercial network/Long Term Evolution (LTE) and some preliminary results are analysed to understand the reference framework. The paper addresses the general reference architecture framework of advanced Radio Link Manager to support Mission Critical services in 5G. The paper also discusses about the ongoing standardisation activities and open source initiatives in 5G RAN.

An Overview of the Most Important Reference Architectures for Cloud Computing

In this paper we have presented the main characteristics of the most important reference architectures designed for the cloud computing environment. Specifically, we have introduced the proposed architectures of the worldwide cloud computing companies like Cisco, IBM and VMware and we also had a look the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) reference architecture which is the starting point for all proposed architectures in the field. As one would expect, the provider dependent reference architectures are written is such a way to suit the services and products of the company, while NIST's architecture is a more general model with more comprehensive architectural details that we highlighted in this article. In the end of the article we draw out some conclusions regarding the existing reference architectures for cloud computing.Keywords: Reference Architecture, Cloud Computing, Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).1IntroductionCloud computing is the new term used for utility computing, with emphasis offering IT resources over the Internet, in exchange of storing and operating resources locally. In the existing literature there are a plethora of different reference architectures, models and frameworks for cloud computing. Usually, a reference framework for cloud computing tries to offer the baseline that stands designing some interoperable cloud services and also their integration in the existing infrastructures of the Internet and private corporations. a regular basis, a reference framework should offer a draft or an architectural template that could be used by others that wish to adopt similar solutions. A reference model consists in explaining the concepts and relationships which sustain reference architecture, while the term reference framework refers to both (architecture + model of reference) [1]. A cloud computing architecture of a cloud like solution represents the structure of such a system. The term also refers to conceiving proper documentation of the architectural system of a cloud computing solution, facilitating the communication between the investors, taking initial decisions and it also allows the reuse of the design components and templates for other similar projects [2].A reference model of cloud architecture represents the abstracting of the cloud computing concepts and relationships, which can be used to train organizations and to create standards and guidelines in the purpose of aiding these application concepts. Groups of organizations like DMTF (Distributed Management Task Force) - are the initiators of a wiki page www.cloud-standards.org [3]. Cloud Security Alliance or Open Security Architecture develops reference models for cloud which can be used by different companies in the purpose of adopting new cloud technologies. Also, companies being active in the field (Cisco, IBM, VMware and others), also other federal agencies (GSA and others) are working some reference models of their own which have specific characteristics. Next we will present four of the most important reference architectures in the field:· Reference architecture CISCO - Cisco Cloud Reference Architecture Framework [4]· Reference architecture IBM - IBM CCRA [5]· Reference architecture National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) [6]· Reference architecture VMware - Architecting vCloud [7]2 CISCO reference architectureThe CISCO reference architecture is based the cloud definition provided by NIST, in which is stated, shortly, that a cloud represents IT services offered using a network. More precisely, the cloud is a model in which the IT resources and services are abstracted from the infrastructure and are provided on demand and at scale in an environment for multiple tenants. On demand stands for resources which can be supplied and billed for only when they are used. …

A Generic Reference Architecture for Collaboratory Scientific Virtual Laboratory

The paper presents a generic reference architecture framework for collaboratory experiment virtual laboratory. The model presented is open source driven, flexible and based on modern tools and tech...

A Generic Reference Architecture for Collaboratory Scientific Virtual Laboratory

The paper presents a generic reference architecture framework for collaboratory experiment virtual laboratory. The model presented is open source driven, flexible and based on modern tools and technologies. This in effect will allow geographically remote scientists with limited internal laboratory resources, access to wealth of experimental datasets, computing facilities, and distributed hard-to-duplicate laboratory devices. The key issues discussed are architectural design and choice of technology used for creating virtual laboratory. This architecture offers great levels of flexibility, simplicity, and interoperability that are needed to allow integration between heterogeneous distributed grid resources and its clients and executors. The framework, besides theoretical modelling, will provide a road map for future research and open questions.

2.1.3 Managing Systems of Systems Interoperability ‐ Federated SOA and Reference Architectures

AbstractNew and emerging threats, technology advancements and the advent of the Knowledge Age are driving change in Armed Forces around the world. The Singapore Armed Forces is in the midst of transformation into the 3rd Generation SAF to meet these challenges. As military systems morph into increasing networked and interdependent system of systems, the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) has also adopted strategies and put in systems engineering efforts to manage the interoperability requirements and complexities of this system of systems. In 2006 DSTA adopted Enterprise Architecture (EA) to facilitate businessInformation Technology (IT) alignment and subsequently established a Reference Architecture Framework to ensure interoperability across systems. In this article, we describe the Reference Architecture Framework, the linkage between EA and the Framework, and how the framework will guide the development of the solution blueprint to enable 3rd Generation SAF transformations.