Introduction to DSS Architecture and Networking

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary goal of designing an infrastructure for decision support systems (DSS)?

Minimize support costs while maximizing user productivity (correct)

Encourage the use of stand-alone systems

Maximize system crashes to enhance security

Facilitate the use of outdated technology in decision-making

Which type of architecture allows users to interact with DSS using a Web browser?

Thin-client architecture (correct)

Thick-client architecture

Peer-to-peer architecture

Distributed architecture

Which layer is NOT part of the DSS architecture diagram?

Technical architecture

User interface design

Business decision process flow chart

Data storage layer (correct)

What critical issue does networking present for decision support systems?

Challenges in both centralized and decentralized DSS Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a benefit sought in DSS infrastructure design?

Impediment to deploying new applications Signup and view all the answers

What are the tools used for building user interfaces in DSS commonly called?

DSS generators Signup and view all the answers

What can be a potential outcome if a DSS is poorly architected?

Frequent system crashes and performance problems Signup and view all the answers

Which architectural component refers to the organization of hardware and distribution of software in a DSS?

Systems architecture Signup and view all the answers

What governs how information is sent over computer networks?

Network protocols Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of an architecture document in the context of DSS?

To help developers collaborate and plan better Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a primary component of a Local Area Network (LAN)?

Modem routing software Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT explicitly defined in the DSS architecture?

Client computing costs Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of computer networks?

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

Which of the following accurately describes the relationship between clients and servers in a client/server architecture?

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

What does a Network Operating System (NOS) primarily manage?

Network resources and security Signup and view all the answers

How are Local Area Networks (LANs) connected to form a Wide Area Network (WAN)?

By connecting a group of LANs Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of DSS architecture is specifically aimed at user interaction with databases?

Software tools for user access Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key roles of the DSS architecture in system implementation?

To assist other groups in integrating their systems Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about TCP/IP is true?

TCP/IP enabled communication among networks of dissimilar computers. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a key characteristic of client/server architectures?

Server requirements can include higher processing power Signup and view all the answers

In what context was the ARPAnet network developed?

From research conducted by DARPA Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common physical connection type for hosts in a network?

Token ring Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the DSS architecture relates to the technology that allows data exchange between different systems?

Networking and communication capabilities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following components is crucial for managing the DSS databases effectively?

Software tools for system administrators Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Internet Protocol (IP) within the TCP/IP protocol suite?

To provide a delivery service for packets. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following capabilities is NOT provided by the Internet Protocol?

Ensuring data is transmitted without errors. Signup and view all the answers

What key feature of TCP/IP contributed to its widespread adoption since the 1970s?

Dependability and modular design. Signup and view all the answers

How does data transmission occur in a packet-switched network like TCP/IP?

Data is sent in segments called packets. Signup and view all the answers

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

It establishes connections and manages data flow. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of TCP/IP allows it to manage large networks with less central control?

Layered architecture and modular design. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about how TCP/IP functions on a local area network (LAN)?

TCP/IP shares the LAN with other uses. Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of TCP/IP's packet-switched network structure?

It can lead to variable delays in packet delivery. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to DSS Architecture, Networking, and Security

Managers need infrastructure that:
- Minimizes support costs and maximizes user productivity
- Avoids system crashes and performance problems
- Reduces infrastructure impediments delaying new IS/IT application deployment
Architecture, networking, and security are closely intertwined and critical for building DSS
A stand-alone computer in a secure office environment, managed directly by the user, avoids complex networking and security issues.

DSS Architecture and Infrastructure

Components include:
- Database component
- Model component
- Communications component
- User interface component
DSS typically uses tools like:
- DSS generators
- Query and reporting tools
- Front-end development packages
Architecture types:
- Thin-client architecture: Users interact through a web browser
- Thick-client architecture: A program resides on the user's computer.
DSS architecture defines how hardware and software are organized, data is distributed, and components are integrated.
Networking issues are a major challenge, especially in geographically distributed, multi-participant DSS.
DSS architecture can be diagrammed using:
- Business decision process flow chart
- Systems architecture
- Technical architecture
- User interface design.
Architecture also defines structures and controls for platform use and application creation.

DSS Framework and Architecture Issues

Different DSS types have varying network needs:
- Communication-driven DSS: Always require a network
- Data-driven DSS: Usually need a network
- Document-driven DSS: Usually need a network
- Knowledge-driven DSS: Sometimes need a network
- Model-driven DSS: Sometimes need a network
- Interorganizational DSS: Always need a network

Defining the DSS Architecture

Architecture documents help developers work together, improve planning, and strengthen communication between:
- Development teams
- Management
- Potential vendors
- Other related groups
DSS architecture should specify:
- Database(s)
- Model(s)
- Software tools for users and system administrators
- Hardware and operating system platforms
- Networking and communication capabilities

Client/Server Architecture

Client/server architecture combines:
- A client (front-end) portion interacting with the user
- A server (back-end) portion interacting with shared resources
Clients and servers have different resource requirements (e.g. processor speed, memory, disk speed, input/output devices).
Client/server systems are scalable.

Networking Issues

Typical host connections include Ethernet, token ring, serial lines, and modems.
Communication languages are network protocols.
A network protocol defines rules and formats for information transmission.

The fundamental purpose of a computer network is to provide access to shared resources.
A Local Area Network (LAN) has several primary components:
- Network interconnection and hubs
- Network Interface Circuitry (NIC)
- Shared resources (e.g. database servers) each with their own NIC connected to the network
- Software on personal computers that utilize NIC to access shared resources
- Software on shared resources coordinating with local machines to provide user access
A Network Operating System (NOS) manages network resources, handles concurrent requests, and provides security in multi-user environments.
A Wide Area Network (WAN) spans a wider area than a LAN. Often, multiple LANs form a WAN.

Connecting the Resources: TCP/IP

TCP/IP emerged from DARPA's research to connect dissimilar computers.
The Internet is a packet-switched network which segments information into smaller packets to transmit files more efficiently.

TCP/IP Protocol

TCP/IP's goal is to transmit data between hosts, even if connections are complex.
IP provides three key capabilities:
- Delivery service
- Fragmenting and reassembling data packets
- Routing functions on the network
TCP/IP includes multiple protocols
TCP/IP is a layered communication protocol.

Why TCP/IP?

TCP/IP has been used since the early 1970s.
It was a core component of popular systems.
It's dependable
Its modular design facilitates the growth of large networks with less centralized management.

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Description

This quiz explores the foundational concepts of Decision Support System (DSS) architecture, networking, and security. It covers the essential components of DSS and the different architectural types that enhance user productivity while minimizing costs. Understand how these systems are designed to overcome common infrastructure challenges.