Real-Time Phoenix

The Layers of a Real-Time System

Real-time applications consist of clients, a real-time communication layer, and back-end servers working together to achieve business objectives. The cooperation and proper function of each layer is important in developing a successful application. For example, a bug in the client could prevent proper connection to the server, which reduces the ability to operate instantly. A defect on the server could delay or prevent messages being sent to a connected client. Before we look at the layers of a real-time system, let’s define “real-time.”

There are different levels of guarantee in a real-time system. Hardware systems that have strict time guarantees are considered to be “hard” real-time. For example, an airplane’s ...