Architecture : Logical vs Physical

If you are a developer or an aspiring architect you might have come across situations where your architects use technical jargons which you are sometimes not completely aware of. 2 of the common terms used are Logical and Physical architecture. I will try and explain this in simple terms less than 50 words each. Hope this helps you understand the difference between the 2.


Logical Architecture  

Is a diagram of how the “components” (physical and virtual) interact with one another.  What role does each component play?  Who can access/use this component? How is it stored?  How is it secured, etc.  This may be a separate map, or it may be a “larger” map that includes your Physical Architecture Map.

Physical Architecture 

(a.k.a. Topology) is just the layout of your physical environment.  You’ll do well to label each component with commonly needed (by the admins anyway) information, such as Server Names, IP Addresses, Server Model, RAM, etc