Network and Distributed OS
Network and Distributed OS
Aim: Case study on Network Operating System and Distributed Operating System.
Theory:
Network Operating System
Network operating system refers to software that implements an operating system of some kind that is
oriented to computer networking. For example, one 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 (LAN), a private network or to other networks.
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.
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.
Characteristics:
Advantages:
Upgrades to new technologies and hardwares can be easily integrated into the system.
Remote access to servers is possible from different locations and types of systems.
Disadvantages:
Characteristics:
Advantages:
Performance: very often a collection of processors can provide higher performance and better
price/performance ratio than a centralized computer.
Distribution: many applications involve, by their nature, spatially separated machines (banking,
commercial, automotive system).
Reliability: if some of the machines crash, the system can survive.
Incremental growth: as requirements on processing power grow, new machines can be added
incrementally.
Sharing of data/resources: shared data is essential to many applications (banking, computer
supported cooperative work, reservation systems); other resources can be also shared (e.g.
expensive printers).
Communication: facilitates human-to-human communication
Disadvantages:
DOS
Description
Loosely-coupled operating system for
heterogeneous multicomputers (LAN and
WAN)
Tightly-coupled operating system for multiprocessors and homogeneous
multicomputers
Main Goal
Offer local services to remote
clients
Hide and manage hardware
resources
Middleware
Provide distribution
transparency
Network
OS
Middleware-based
OS
Very High
High
Low
High
Yes
Yes
No
No
Number of copies of OS
Basis for
communication
Shared
memory
Messages
Files
Model specific
Resource management
Global, central
Global,
distributed
Per node
Per node
Scalability
No
Moderately
Yes
Varies
Openness
Closed
Closed
Open
Open
Item
Multiprocesso
r
Degree of transparency
Conclusion: Thus we have studied Network Operating System and Distributed Operating System.