Hgekoppelde

Hgekoppelde is a term used in Dutch-language discussions of network theory and systems engineering to describe a state in which components within a system are highly interdependent. In such systems, changes, failures, or performance variations in one element tend to propagate quickly to others, making the overall behavior more sensitive to local fluctuations and harder to modify in isolation.

Etymology and usage of the term vary, but it generally conveys a heightened degree of coupling between parts. The word combines koppelde, meaning connected, with a prefix that suggests intensification, and is often described or discussed as a shorthand for “hoge koppeling” or “highly coupled” in technical texts. It is not standardized in international standards and appears mainly in informal, theoretical, or context-specific discussions.

Characteristics typically associated with hgekoppelde systems include strong interconnections, interdependent timing, shared state or data, and limited modular boundaries. These features can enable rapid coordination but also increase the risk of cascade effects where a fault or change in one component affects many others. This contrasts with loosely coupled or modular architectures, where well-defined interfaces and minimized shared state reduce interdependencies.

Contexts where the concept is used include software architectures with monolithic designs, tightly integrated control systems, interdependent supply chains, and ecological or social networks with strong feedback loops. In practice, recognizing hgekoppelde conditions motivates design strategies that promote loose coupling, clear interfaces, modularization, event-driven decoupling, and redundancy to improve resilience.

See also: coupling, cohesion, modular design, fault tolerance.