Network operating system - AbsoluteAstronomy.com

A networking operating system (NOS), also referred to as the Dialoguer, is the software that runs on a server and enables the server to manage data, users, groups, security, applications, and other networking functions. The network operating system is designed to allow shared file and printer access among multiple computers in a network, typically a local area network

Local area network

A local area network is a computer network that interconnects computers in a limited area such as a home, school, computer laboratory, or office building...

(LAN), a private network

Private network

In the Internet addressing architecture, a private network is a network that uses private IP address space, following the standards set by RFC 1918 and RFC 4193. These addresses are commonly used for home, office, and enterprise local area networks , when globally routable addresses are not...

or to other networks. The most popular network operating systems are Microsoft

Microsoft

Microsoft Corporation is an American public multinational corporation headquartered in Redmond, Washington, USA that develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports a wide range of products and services predominantly related to computing through its various product divisions...

Windows Server 2003

Windows Server 2003 is a server operating system produced by Microsoft, introduced on 24 April 2003. An updated version, Windows Server 2003 R2, was released to manufacturing on 6 December 2005...

, Microsoft

Microsoft

Windows Server 2008, UNIX

Unix

Unix is a multitasking, multi-user computer operating system originally developed in 1969 by a group of AT&T employees at Bell Labs, including Ken Thompson, Dennis Ritchie, Brian Kernighan, Douglas McIlroy, and Joe Ossanna...

, Linux

Linux

Linux is a Unix-like computer operating system assembled under the model of free and open source software development and distribution. The defining component of any Linux system is the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released October 5, 1991 by Linus Torvalds...

, Mac OS X

Mac OS X

Mac OS X is a series of Unix-based operating systems and graphical user interfaces developed, marketed, and sold by Apple Inc. Since 2002, has been included with all new Macintosh computer systems...

, and Novell NetWare

Novell NetWare

NetWare is a network operating system developed by Novell, Inc. It initially used cooperative multitasking to run various services on a personal computer, with network protocols based on the archetypal Xerox Network Systems stack....

Characteristics

Network Operating Systems are based on a client/server architecture in which a server

Server (computing)

In the context of client-server architecture, a server is a computer program running to serve the requests of other programs, the "clients". Thus, the "server" performs some computational task on behalf of "clients"...

enables multiple clients to share resources.

The Network Operating System can also do the following:

Centrally manage network
Computer network
A computer network, often simply referred to as a network, is a collection of hardware components and computers interconnected by communication channels that allow sharing of resources and information....

resource
Resource
A resource is a source or supply from which benefit is produced, typically of limited availability.Resource may also refer to:* Resource , substances or objects required by a biological organism for normal maintenance, growth, and reproduction...

s, such as programs, data and devices.
Secure access to a network.
Allow remote users to connect to a network.
Allow users to connect to other networks like the Internet
Internet
The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet protocol suite to serve billions of users worldwide...

.
Back up data and make sure it's always available.
Allow for simple additions of clients
Client (computing)
A client is an application or system that accesses a service made available by a server. The server is often on another computer system, in which case the client accesses the service by way of a network....

and resources.
Monitor the status and functionality of network elements.
Distribute programs and software updates to clients.
Ensure efficient use of a server's capabilities.

Use in Routers

Network Operating Systems (NOS) are embedded in a router or hardware firewall

Firewall (computing)

A firewall is a device or set of devices designed to permit or deny network transmissions based upon a set of rules and is frequently used to protect networks from unauthorized access while permitting legitimate communications to pass....

that operates the functions in the network layer

Network layer

The network layer is layer 3 of the seven-layer OSI model of computer networking.The network layer is responsible for packet forwarding including routing through intermediate routers, whereas the data link layer is responsible for media access control, flow control and error checking.The network...

(layer 3) of the OSI model

OSI model

The Open Systems Interconnection model is a product of the Open Systems Interconnection effort at the International Organization for Standardization. It is a prescription of characterizing and standardizing the functions of a communications system in terms of abstraction layers. Similar...

Examples:
- JUNOS
  JUNOS
  Juniper Junos is the software or the network operating system used in Juniper Networks hardware systems. It is an operating system that is used in Juniper's routing, switching and security devices. Juniper offers a Software Development Kit to partners and customers to allow additional customization...
  
  , used in routers and switch
  Switch
  In electronics, a switch is an electrical component that can break an electrical circuit, interrupting the current or diverting it from one conductor to another....
  
  es from Juniper Networks
  Juniper Networks
  Juniper Networks is an information technology and computer networking products multinational company, founded in 1996. It is head quartered in Sunnyvale, California, USA. The company designs and sells high-performance Internet Protocol network products and services...
  
  ,
- Cisco IOS
  Cisco IOS
  Cisco IOS is the software used on the vast majority of Cisco Systems routers and current Cisco network switches...
  
  (formerly "Cisco Internetwork Operating System").
- TiMOS
  Timos
  TiMOS is a proprietary operating system used on most recent Alcatel-Lucent service routers and switches. Originally developed by Timetra, a US based startup firm. . Timetra was bought out by Alcatel-Lucent in 2004 after a period of mutual engagement in projects...
  
  , used in routers from Alcatel-Lucent
  Alcatel-Lucent
  Alcatel-Lucent is a global telecommunications corporation, headquartered in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, France. It provides telecommunications solutions to service providers, enterprises, and governments around the world, enabling these customers to deliver voice, data, and video services...

Peer-to-Peer

In a Peer-to-peer

Peer-to-peer

Peer-to-peer computing or networking is a distributed application architecture that partitions tasks or workloads among peers. Peers are equally privileged, equipotent participants in the application...

network operating system users are allowed to share resources and files located on their computers and access shared resources from others. This system is not based with having a file server or centralized management source. A peer-to-peer network sets all connected computers equal; they all share the same abilities to utilize resources available on the network.

Examples:
- AppleShare
  AppleShare
  AppleShare was a product from Apple Computer which implemented various network services. Its main purpose was acting as a file server, using the AFP protocol...
  
  used for networking connecting Apple products.
- Windows for Workgroups used for networking peer-to-peer windows computers.
- Lantastic
  Lantastic
  LANtastic is a peer-to-peer local area network operating system for DOS, Microsoft Windows, Novell NetWare and OS/2. LANtastic supports Ethernet, ARCNET and Token Ring adapters as well as its original twisted-pair adapter at ....

Advantages

Ease of setup
Less hardware needed, no server needs to be purchased.

Disadvantages

No central location for storage.
Lack of security that a client/server type offers.

Client/Server

Client/server network operating systems allow the network to centralize functions and applications in one or more dedicated file servers. The server is the center of the system, allowing access to resources and instituting security. The network operating system provides the mechanism to integrate all the components on a network to allow multiple users to simultaneously share the same resources regardless of physical location.

Examples:
- Novell Netware
  Novell NetWare
  NetWare is a network operating system developed by Novell, Inc. It initially used cooperative multitasking to run various services on a personal computer, with network protocols based on the archetypal Xerox Network Systems stack....
- Windows Server
  Windows Server
  Windows Server is a brand name for a group of server operating systems released by Microsoft Corporation. All are part of Microsoft Servers.- Members :This brand includes the following software:* Windows 2000 Server* Windows Server 2003...

Advantages

Centralized servers are more stable.
Security is provided through the server.
New technology and hardware can be easily integrated into the system.
Servers are able to be accessed remotely from different locations and types of systems.

Disadvantages

Cost of buying and running a server are high.
Dependence on a central location for operation.
Requires regular maintenance and updates.

Links

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