UML14 — "Physical" Metamodel References (uml-rtf)

UML's "physical" metamodels need to be more careful about which association
ends have corresponding references. In places where an association end can
relate one element to another element imported from another model, it is
generally best to not have a reference on the inverse end. Note that
"reference" is a MOF concept. The lack of a reference does not affect
whether an association end is navigable. It does affect whether a link can
be in a different MOF package extent (this is a MOF constraint). If both
sides of an association have references, then related objects are forced to
reside in the same package extent, which prevents the federation of UML
facilities.

An important aspect of interoperability comes from federation: UML
facilities having links to other UML facilities. The overuse of references
prevents use of such links in places where they should be allowed.

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