layered architecture

layered architecture

[′lā·ərd ′är·kə‚tek·chər] (computer science) A technique used in designing computer software, hardware, and communications in which system or network components are isolated in layers so that changes can be made in one layer without affecting the others.

layered architecture

An architecture in which data moves from one defined level of processing to another. Communications protocols are a primary example. See OSI model.