Taxonomy/supplement/interface points vs. components

The choice of a domain model depends on the level of granularity under which we want to see the artefact. An interface point at one level can be a component at another level.

Example: a computer communicates with a webcam.

At one level ee are interested only in the messages exchanged between these two, described in terms of video signals and commands.

At a lower level the interface point of the previous level can turn out to be a component: USB cable with two interface points: the plugs in their sockets.

At an even lower level one USB connector can be considered as a system component consisting of several contact pins.