NETWORK OPERATING SYSTEM

Every network today has some form of software to manage its resources. This software runs on a
special, high-powered computer and is called a network operating system (or NOS, for short). The
NOS is one of the most important components of the network.

Unlike operating systems, such as Windows, that are designed for single users to control one
computer, network operating systems (NOS) coordinate the activities of multiple computers across
a network. The network operating system acts as a director to keep the network running smoothly.

A networking operating system (NOS) is the software that runs on a server and enables the server
to manage data, users, groups, security, applications, and other networking functions.

The two major types of network operating systems are:

 Peer-to-Peer
 Client/Server

Nearly all modern networks are a combination of both. The networking design can be considered
independent of the servers and workstations that will share it.

Peer-to-Peer

Peer-to-peer network operating systems allow users to share resources and files located on their
computers and to access shared resources found on other computers. However, they do not have a
file server or a centralized management source. In a peer-to-peer network, all computers are
considered equal; they all have the same abilities to use the resources available on the network.
Peer-to-peer networks are designed primarily for small to medium local area networks. Nearly all
modern desktop operating systems, such as Macintosh OSX, Linux, and Windows, can function
as peer-to-peer network operating systems.

Examples:

AppleShare used for networking connecting Apple products.

Windows for Workgroups used for networking peer-to-peer windows computers.

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 can be based on a client/server architecture in which a
server enables multiple clients to share resources. 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

Windows Server
Banyan VINES
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
 Functions of a NOS

The most common functions of a NOS are the following.

Printing

 Providing access to remote printers.

 Managing which users are using which printers at what time.
 Managing how print jobs are queued.
 Recognizing which printers are offline.

Files and storages

 Enabling and managing access to files on remote systems.

 Determining which user can access what files.
 Specifying a storage location for each user.
 Preventing users from storing files outside the allowed storage locations.
 Monitoring and controlling file access.

Applications and resources

 Granting access to remote applications and resources, such as the Internet.

 Making resources seem like local resources to the user.
 Allowing users to work on a single application from multiple computers.
 Storing the data of the application in a single location.

Routing and monitoring

 Providing routing services, including support for major networking protocols, so that the
operating system knows what data to send where
 Monitoring the system and security, to provide proper security against viruses, hackers, and data
corruption.

Administration and security

 Providing network administration utilities (such as SNMP, or Simple Network Management

Protocol).
 Enabling an administrator to perform tasks involving managing network resources and users.
 Blocking unauthorized accesses

NOS services

A NOS provides several services. Most of them are inbuilt. If you need more services, you can
install them separately. The most common services are the following.
DHCP services: - These allow the administrator to configure the server to assign IP addresses to
clients on the network.

DNS services: - These services allow the administrator to map hostnames with related IP
addresses.

E-mail services: - These services allow the administrator to configure the server to send and
receive e-mail using the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP).

Web services: - These services allow the administrator to host websites and related applications
on the server.

File and print services: - These services allow the administrator to share files and printers among
clients.

Directory services: - These services allow the administrator to build a centralized database of
objects, such as user accounts that may be used by clients to log on to the network. On Windows
Server, the directory service is known as Active Directory.

Group policies: - These services allow an administrator to deploy settings down to the client
operating systems from a central point. Some of the types of settings that can be applied to clients
through group policies are user rights, folder redirection, file permissions, and installation of
software.

NOS features

The common features of a NOS are the following.

Multitasking

One NOS can handle many thousands of tasks simultaneously. A NOS also runs each service
separately. This means, if one service fails, it does not affect other services. Other services will be
running without any lag.

Stability

A NOS can run for years without crashing. Most services running on the NOS can be restarted
without a system-level restart. It means a NOS does not restart for every change or update.

Multiusers

A NOS allows several users to log into the system simultaneously. A NOS initiates a separate login
session for each user. A NOS allows a user to log into the same system at the same time as another
user.

High performance and hotplug support

A NOS supports the largest capacity of hardware devices. A NOS also supports the hotplug feature.
The hotplug feature allows the administrator to replace or upgrade most of the hardware without
shutting down the system.

Network Management.
In computer networks, network management refers to the activities, methods, procedures, and tools
that pertain to the operation, administration, maintenance, and provisioning of networked systems.
Network management is essential to command and control practices and is generally carried out
of a network operations center

1. Operation deals with keeping the network (and the services that the network provides) up and
running smoothly. It includes monitoring the network to spot problems as soon as possible,
ideally before users are affected
2. Administration deals with keeping track of resources in the network and how they are assigned.
It includes all the "housekeeping" that is necessary to keep the network under control.
3. Maintenance is concerned with performing repairs and upgrades—for example, when
equipment must be replaced, when a router needs a patch for an operating system image, when
a new switch is added to a network. Maintenance also involves corrective and preventive
measures to make the managed network run "better", such as adjusting device configuration
parameters.
4. Provisioning is concerned with configuring resources in the network to support a given service.
For example, this might include setting up the network so that a new customer can receive
voice service, real time communications etc