DSS Architecture and Security Issues

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following components is NOT part of a Local Area Network (LAN)?

Software for resource access

Wide Area Network (WAN) connector (correct)

Network interconnection and hubs

Network Interface Circuitry (NIC)

What is the primary function of a network protocol?

To physically connect devices

To manage network security features

To provide software for shared resources

To establish a set of rules for data transmission (correct)

What is a characteristic of a Network Operating System (NOS)?

It manages requests in a single-user environment

It operates on a single computer without network capabilities

It provides security for multi-user networks (correct)

It does not support resource sharing

Which statement accurately describes Wide Area Networks (WANs)?

WANs often connect multiple LANs Signup and view all the answers

What does the TCP/IP protocol suite facilitate?

Communication among dissimilar networks Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary purpose of the architecture document in a DSS environment?

To facilitate communication among developers. Signup and view all the answers

Which component is essential for accessing shared resources in a LAN?

Personal computer software using NIC Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT specified by the DSS architecture?

User interaction interfaces. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of establishing computer networks?

To provide access to shared resources Signup and view all the answers

In a client/server architecture, what characterizes the client and server?

They have fundamentally different resource requirements. Signup and view all the answers

Who conducted the research that led to the development of TCP/IP and ARPAnet?

U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is essential for connecting hardware platforms in DSS architecture?

Networking and communication capabilities. Signup and view all the answers

What role do software tools play in DSS architecture?

They allow users to access databases and models. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a client/server architecture?

A combination of front-end and back-end interactions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a component of DSS architecture?

Database systems. Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of having a well-defined DSS architecture?

It improves planning and team communication. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary goal of designing a DSS infrastructure?

Avoid system crashes Signup and view all the answers

Which architecture allows users to interact using a Web browser?

Thin-client architecture Signup and view all the answers

What are DSS generators used for in DSS development?

User interface creation Signup and view all the answers

Which layer is NOT one of the four layers that define a DSS architecture?

Database management system Signup and view all the answers

Which challenge is specifically mentioned in relation to a geographically distributed DSS?

Networking issues Signup and view all the answers

What is likely a consequence of poorly designed DSS architecture?

Reduction in deployment speed of IS/IT applications Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of the DSS architecture and network component?

Physical connection of DSS components Signup and view all the answers

What criteria should managers focus on to minimize support costs?

Maximizing user productivity Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of the TCP/IP protocol?

To get data from one host to another Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Internet Protocol (IP) play within the TCP/IP suite?

It provides a delivery service and routing functions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about packet-switched networks is true?

They divide information into smaller segments called packets. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)?

To ensure that data packets are sent between programs using IP Signup and view all the answers

Why has TCP/IP gained widespread acceptance since the 1970s?

It was part of the original UNIX operating system distribution. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant advantage of the modular design of TCP/IP?

It allows for large networks with minimal central management. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Internet Protocol aim to achieve with its routing functions?

To navigate data packets between networks efficiently Signup and view all the answers

How does TCP/IP manage fragmentation and reassembly of data packets?

By dividing files into smaller packets and managing them during transmission Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

DSS Architecture, Networking, and Security Issues

DSS architecture design requires careful consideration of criteria like minimizing support costs, maximizing user productivity, avoiding system crashes, and reducing infrastructure impediments to new IS/IT applications.
DSS architecture, networking, and security elements are closely intertwined and vital for building a successful DSS.
A stand-alone, secured computer environment, with the manager overseeing its use, is one method of minimizing security concerns for a DSS.

DSS Architecture and Infrastructure

DSS components include a database component, a model component, a communications component, and a user interface component.
Common user interface tools include DSS generators, query and reporting tools, and front-end development packages.
Thin-client architecture involves user interaction via a web browser, while thick-client architecture involves dedicated software residing on the user's computer.
DSS architecture encompasses hardware organization, software and data distribution, and integration of DSS components.
Networking is a critical factor especially for geographically dispersed, multi-participant DSS.

DSS Architecture Layering

A DSS architecture can be represented by four layers:
1. Business decision process flow chart
2. Systems architecture
3. Technical architecture
4. User interface designs
The architecture outlines structures and controls for platform usage and application development.

DSS Framework and Architecture Issues

Different DSS types (communications-driven, data-driven, document-driven, knowledge-driven, model-driven, interorganizational) have varying network needs.
Networking needs and components for different DSS types are detailed in the provided table.

Defining the DSS Architecture

An architecture document facilitates collaboration among developers, enhances planning, improves communication of system concepts to management, facilitates communication with vendors and supports other groups implementing systems interacting with the DSS.
Key components of DSS architecture include:
1. Database(s)
2. Model(s)
3. User/administrator access/management software tools for databases and models
4. Hardware and operating systems platforms
5. Networking and communication capabilities for interconnecting hardware platforms

Client/Server Architecture

Client/server architecture integrates a client (front-end interacting with users) and a server (back-end interacting with shared resources).
Clients and servers demand differing computing resource configurations (e.g., processor speeds, memory, disk speeds/capacities, input/output devices).
Scalability is a significant advantage offered by Client/Server architecture.

Networking Issues

Typical network host connections include Ethernet, token ring, serial lines, and modems.
Network protocols govern how information is formatted and transmitted.

LAN (Local Area Network) primary components include network interconnection, hubs, network interface circuitry (NICs), software applications running on individual user computers for shared resource access, and software on the shared resource to coordinate access.
NOS (Network Operating System) manages network resources and concurrent requests, ensuring security in a multi-user environment.
WAN (Wide Area Network) is a larger network, where machines are not directly connected and may involve grouping multiple LANs and connecting to the Internet.

Connecting the Resources: TCP/IP

TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) is a communication protocol suite developed to connect various computer networks.
The protocol suite enables reliable transmission of data in small packets across disparate networks
The Internet is a packet-switched network, dividing large data segments into smaller packets for transmission and reassembly at the destination.

TCP/IP Protocol

TCP/IP purpose is to deliver data between interconnected hosts, despite potential challenges.
TCP/IP capabilities include data delivery, packet fragmentation/reassembly, and routing functionalities.
TCP/IP components include the Internet Protocol (low level transport of raw data), and Transmission Control Protocol (handles communication between programs using IP).
Like other protocols, TCP/IP operates across layers.

Why TCP/IP

TCP/IP's widespread adoption is attributed to factors like its long history (early 1970s), integration into networking components (e.g., UNIX platforms), and reliability.
Modular design enables scaling for large-scale networks with reduced central management.

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Description

Explore the essential elements of Decision Support Systems (DSS) architecture, networking, and security concerns. This quiz covers key components, including databases, user interfaces, and various architectural models that influence user productivity and system stability.