--- title: "Distributed object versus multiprocessor architecture" subject: "Software Engineering" chapter: 3 key: "semester_5/software_engineering:distributed-object-vs-multiprocessor" source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/software_engineering/distributed-object-vs-multiprocessor site: BCT Engineering --- # Distributed object versus multiprocessor architecture Software Engineering · Chapter 3: Architectural design - Asked in: 2069 Chaitra, 4 marks; year not given, 4 marks - Answer checked by Claude Sonnet 5.5 on 2026-10-14 - Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/software_engineering/distributed-object-vs-multiprocessor - Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_5/software_engineering/chapter-3 ## Question Provide a brief comparison of distributed object versus multiprocessor architecture. ## Short answer Multiprocessor architecture uses processes on different processors with direct message passing. Distributed object architecture uses objects on networked computers via middleware, offering flexibility and openness but greater complexity. ## Answer A **multiprocessor architecture** is a system of cooperating processes that run on different processors, usually in one real-time system (e.g. traffic control with separate sensor, flow and light-control processors). A **distributed object architecture** treats the system as a set of **objects** that provide services through interfaces and talk to each other through **middleware** (an object request broker such as CORBA), with no fixed client or server roles. | Point | Multiprocessor architecture | Distributed object architecture | |---|---|---| | Basic unit | Process | Object (service provider) | | Distribution | Processes on different processors, usually one machine or a closely coupled set | Objects spread over many networked computers | | Communication | Direct message passing or shared memory | Through middleware / ORB (e.g. CORBA, Java RMI) | | Allocation | Fixed in advance or by a dispatcher | Objects can be moved or reconfigured at run time | | Client/server roles | Not relevant | No distinction; any object can call any other | | Typical use | Large real-time and control systems | Open, scalable business and data-mining systems | | Openness / scalability | Limited, hardware dependent | High; new objects added easily | | Design complexity | Simpler | More complex to design and test | **In short:** a multiprocessor architecture spreads **processes** of one system across processors to meet performance and timing needs. A distributed object architecture spreads **objects** across a network and uses middleware, which makes it more flexible and open, but harder to design. ## Check yourself The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why. 1. What is the basic unit in each architecture? A. Multiprocessor: object; distributed object: process B. Multiprocessor: process; distributed object: object C. Both use clients and servers D. Both use database tables Answer: B. Multiprocessor systems are made of processes, distributed object systems of objects providing services. (Key point: Basic unit) 2. How do distributed objects communicate? A. Through shared memory only B. Through middleware such as an object request broker (CORBA, RMI) C. By direct hardware interrupts D. By email Answer: B. Objects call each other via middleware, the ORB, whereas multiprocessor processes use direct message passing or shared memory. (Key point: Communication) 3. Where is each architecture typically used? A. Multiprocessor: open business systems; distributed object: real-time control B. Both only in word processors C. Multiprocessor: real-time and control systems; distributed object: open, scalable business and data-mining systems D. Neither is used in practice Answer: C. Multiprocessor suits real-time control systems; distributed objects suit open scalable systems like data mining. (Key point: Typical use) 4. What is the main disadvantage of distributed object architecture? A. It cannot be extended B. It has fixed client and server roles C. It is limited to one processor D. It is more complex to design and test, and middleware adds overhead Answer: D. It gains flexibility and openness but is harder to design and test than the multiprocessor architecture. (Key point: Trade-off) ## Related in Software Engineering - [Multiprocessor versus client-server architecture](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fsoftware_engineering%3Amultiprocessor-vs-client-server) — Software Engineering, chapter 3 - [Client-server versus distributed object architecture](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fsoftware_engineering%3Aclient-server-vs-distributed-object) — Software Engineering, chapter 3 - [Architectural design and multiprocessor architecture](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fsoftware_engineering%3Aarchitectural-design-multiprocessor) — Software Engineering, chapter 3 - [General OS versus real-time OS](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fsoftware_engineering%3Ageneral-os-vs-rtos) — Software Engineering, chapter 4 - [Application framework versus component reuse](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fsoftware_engineering%3Aframework-vs-component-reuse) — Software Engineering, chapter 5 ## Related in other subjects - [Distributed object, IDL; RPC vs RMI](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fdistributed_system%3Aobject-idl-rpc-rmi) — Distributed System, chapter 2 - [Multiprocessor and multiprocessing](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcomputer_organization_and_architecture%3Amultiprocessing-intro) — Computer Organization and Architecture, chapter 8 - [Series versus parallel circuit comparison](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_1%2Fbasic_electrical_engineering%3Aseries-parallel-comparison-table) — Basic Electrical Engineering, chapter 1 - [Image space versus object space methods](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcomputer_graphics%3Aimage-space-vs-object-space) — Computer Graphics, chapter 7, asked 9×