What is Network Operating System? Types and Examples


           

What is Network Operating System? Types and Examples
What is Network Operating System

 

An operating system is, in its most basic description, the interface that connects the user to the computer hardware. We utilize the operating system on our gadgets in daily life, which offers a good graphical user interface along with many other functions. Comparably, a network operating system (NOS) is a piece of software that joins several computers and devices and enables resource sharing across them. Examining the roles of the network operating system, let us.


When you say network operating system, what do you mean?

Network operating systems are operating systems that come with software and related protocols to allow autonomous computers to easily and affordably connect with one another via a network. It permits shared devices between computers, such as printers and disks. The Network Operating System is installed on top of each individual machine that is a part of the Network. Each machine has its own operating system. Individual computers must enter the correct password to log into another computer in order to access resources from other computers because each machine has its own operating system. Additionally, this functionality prevents process migration and prevents communication between processes operating on different machines. The common network protocol is the transmission control protocol.


Functions of Network Operating System

  • It establishes and maintains user accounts on the network.
  • It controls which network resources are accessible to which users.
  • It sets up and controls the network's resources.
  • In order to improve the implementation of network functionalities, it implements protocols over the network.
  • Through user identification and access management, it makes a secure connection between two workstations possible.


Types of Network Operating Systems

Operating systems for networks can be customized to function as:

  • Peer To Peer System
  • Client-Server System


Peer To Peer Network Operating System

Peer-to-peer networks are made up of systems that are equal in terms of their roles and capabilities; that is, no system in this architecture is more functional than any other.

In a peer-peer network operating system, all nodes are equal and there is no master-slave connection between them. Every node in the network is connected to every other node equally and uses a similar kind of software to facilitate resource sharing.


With a peer-to-peer network operating system, many computers can share resources and each computer can access printers, scanners, CD-ROMs, and other devices. Smaller workspaces with 25 workstations or fewer are ideal for these networks.

Network adapter cards, correctly connected network cabling, and a network hub or switch to connect the computers are required to set up a peer-to-peer network.


Peer to peer networks are essentially just collections of computers with resource sharing capabilities. No single computer controls the workgroup since all workstation's computers maintain track of their individual user accounts and security configurations. Workgroups lack a central login procedure and have minimal security. Once a user logs onto a peer on the network, he can use any shared resources. Since there is no central security, resource sharing can be restricted using a password or by the user, who can make some files or folders inaccessible by marking them as not shared.


Benefits of Peer-to-Peer Operating Systems

  • Since there is no centralized network management system, peer-to-peer network operating systems require fewer upkeep and startup costs.
  • No specialized hardware is needed for this kind of network operating system to function.
  • Network administrators are not needed when setting up network policies in peer-to-peer network operating systems. By deciding which kinds of files to share, each user on the network manages their system.
  • It uses a twisted pair cable for configuration.


Drawbacks of the peer-to-peer operating system

The following are some drawbacks of network operating systems that are peer-to-peer:


  • One common flaw with peer-to-peer network operating systems is their lack of security. It is less secure due to share-level protection.
  • When one part of the system network malfunctions, the entire system is thrown off.
  • As the network grows, the efficiency of the system decreases. This is true because any machine on the network has control over it.
  • Peer-to-peer network operating systems are unable to monitor the users trying to access a particular resource.
  • There is no central authority over the network. Network administration is not overseen by a single individual. Rather, the computer's files and tools are accessible to all users.
  • For control, every shared resource requires a password. It can be difficult to remember a lot of passwords because a network may have a lot of shared services.



Client-Server Network Operating System

A client is located in the frontend and a server is located in the backend of the Client-Server Network Operating System. Additionally, it features a server-based network that divides the workload between clients and servers for processing and storage. Users can access resources through the central server.


The server satisfies the requirements from the clients, which include printing, document storage, digital mail, and many more. Every community offer travels via the server. Several computers connected to a network can access a database through the use of the Client-Server Network Operating System. On the server, the database is kept. The database queries are sent by the clients, and the server answers them. Following processing, the database queries are returned via the network to the clients. A server is capable of serving many customers at once.


Advantages of Client-Server Network Operating System

The following are some benefits of the client-server network operating system:


  • It contains a centralized data security mechanism, a Client-Server Network Operating System is more secure than a Peer-to-Peer Network Operating System.
  • Network bandwidth is reduced as a result of the workload being divided between the clients and the server.
  • Client-server network operating systems have a significantly larger coverage area than peer-to-peer network operating systems, which are limited to local areas. Peer-to-peer networks are utilized in environments where security is not a issue, including home networks and small businesses, because users have access to files and resources on the computer. Client-server networks are able to reach farther since additional clients and servers are added as needed to grow the network.
  • From a variety of platforms, a Client-Server Network Operating System can remotely access the server.


Disadvantages of Client-Server Network Operating Systems

  • Two critical challenges in client-server networks are security and performance. Thus, network administration requires trained network administrators.
  • Depending on the security, resources, and connectivity, implementing a client-server network may be expensive.


Features of Network Operating Systems

Let's examine the roles that the network operating system plays.


  • Network printers and application sharing.
  • Sharing of databases and file systems.
  • Use features like access control and user authentication to offer strong security.
  • Make data backups.
  • Networking between networks.


Advantages of Network Operating Systems

  • Very reliable because of the central server.
  • Make adequate security available.
  • It is simple to upgrade hardware and deploy new technology within the network.
  • Give distant users access to servers located in different places.


Disadvantages of Network Operating Systems

  • Depending on the server's central location, the procedures are carried out.
  • An excessive amount of technical maintenance is needed to set up a Network Operating System.
  • It requires constant upkeep and updating to function properly.


Examples of Network Operating Systems

UNIX, Desktop, Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Netbsd, Banyan’s VINES, Artisoft’s LANtastic, Microsoft Windows, and BSD.


Conclusion

To sum up, the Network Operating System is essential to the field of linked computing since it allows devices on a network to work together and share resources. NOS is essential for controlling user access, data sharing, and network resources in both local area networks (LANs) and larger worldwide networks. An effective and reliable network operating system is becoming more and more crucial as networks and technology develop. Network Outage Services (NOS) are essential for managing resource consumption and enabling more efficient communication among interconnected computing ecosystems.




What is network operating system?

Users can exchange files and peripherals and communicate with each other thanks to a network operating system that interfaces with LAN devices. A NOS typically offers security, directory services, and file-to-print capabilities.


Where is the operating system for a network located?

A software program that operates on the server and offers a community of environments for the server and client is referred to as the Network OS.


What is network operating system with example?

Regardless of a user's physical location, the network operating system offers the means to integrate all of the network's components and permit multiple users to share the same resources at once. UNIX/Linux and the Windows Server family from Microsoft are instances of operating systems for client/server networks.


Which operating system is more suitable for setting up a client-server network?

Windows 2000: Significant improvements in networking and security features made this version of the operating system more appropriate for use in a client-server setup.


Which operating system do you use for a client-server network, out of the following?

UNIX/Linux and the Windows Server family from Microsoft are instances of operating systems for client/server networks.