TOPIC 9: NETWORK OPERATING SYSTEM:

A NETWORK OPERARING SYSTEM

 An operating system (OS) is the interface between the computer hardware and the
user. It performs various basic tasks such as managing files, memory, process, handling
input and output, and handling secondary devices such as drivers and printer.
 A network operating system (NOS) is a computer operating system (OS) that is
designed primarily to support workstations, personal computers and, in some instances,
older terminals that are connected on a local area network (LAN).
 The software behind a NOS allows multiple devices within a network to communicate
and share resources with each other.
 The composition of hardware that typically uses a NOS includes a number of personal
computers, a printer, a server and file server with a local network that connects them
together. The role of the NOS is to then provide basic network services and features that
support multiple input requests simultaneously in a multiuser environment.

Types of network operating systems

There are two basic types of network operating systems, the peer-to-peer NOS and
the client/server NOS:
1. Peer-to-peer network operating systems allow users to share network resources saved in a
common, accessible network location. In this architecture, all devices are treated equally in
terms of functionality. Peer-to-peer usually works best for small to medium LANs and is
cheaper to set up.
2. A client-server network Operating System is a network system that connects multiple
client computers or workstations to a single server computer. The Networking Operating
System is installed on the server computer and the client-server network model is
controlled centrally. In this architecture, the server computer is responsible for storage and
sharing resources with the client computer. A client will make a request to server
computer for accessing the resources and server computer will respond to the request in a
secured way.
Common features of network operating systems
Features of network operating systems are typically associated with user administration,
system maintenance and resource management functionality. This includes:
 Basic support for operating systems like protocol and processor support, hardware
detection and multiprocessing.
 Printer and application sharing.
 Common file system and database sharing.
 Network security capabilities such as user authentication and access control.
 Directory
 Backup and web services.
 Internetworking.

Examples of network operating systems

The most common example of network operating system are Microsoft Windows Server, UNIX,
Linux, and Mac OS X.  Some other example of network operating system are Novell NetWare,
Sun Solaris, AppleShare, and Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD), etc.

 Microsoft Windows Server

Microsoft Windows Server is an example of network operating system which has been designed
by Microsoft. Windows servers are extremely powerful and high configuration computers that’s
used for enterprise-level management, data storage, applications hosting, and networking.
Microsoft Windows Server ensures availability, stability, and security of a system.
The first version of Windows Server edition was Windows Server 2003. Here is summary of the
full releases of Windows Server:
 Windows Server 2003 (April 2003)
 Windows Server 2003 R2 (December 2005)
 Windows Server 2008 (February 2008)
 Windows Server 2008 R2 (October 2009)
  Windows Server 2012 (September 2012)
 Windows Server 2012 R2 (October 2013)
 Windows Server 2016 (September 2016)
 Windows Server 2019 (October 2018)
 Windows Server 2022 (August 2021)

 UNIX Operating System

- This is another example of network operating system which was first developed by AT&T
Corporation’s Bell Laboratories in the late 1960s.
- The UNIX operating system is simple, multi-tasking, multi-user, portable and stable that is
used for web servers, laptops, and desktop computers.
- The UNIX operating system mainly based on three parts such as the kernel, the shell and the
programs. There are different version of UNIX operating system are SunOS, Solaris, SCO UNIX,
AIX, HP/UX, ULTRIX, etc.

 Linux Operating System

- Linux is one of the most popular and open source operating system that is used in mobile
phones, routers, super computers, mainframe computers, and server applications. 
- The Linux Operating System is free and its source code is available to use.
- Linux is used for all types of server applications such as web servers, database servers, DNS
servers, antivirus servers, file servers, email servers, and shared servers.
- The important features of Linux operating system are portable, open source, multi-user, multi-
programming, and it provides more security than other operating systems.

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.
a). DHCP services: - These allow the administrator to configure the server to assign IP addresses
to clients on the network.

DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol

- It is a client/server protocol that automatically provides an Internet Protocol (IP) host with its
IP address and other related configuration information such as the subnet mask and default
gateway.

Why use DHCP?

i). DHCP makes it really easy for network administrators to provide IP addresses to client
devices on the network
- Every device on a TCP/IP-based network must have a unique unicast IP address to access the
network and its resources. Without DHCP, IP addresses for new computers or computers that
are moved from one subnet to another must be configured manually; IP addresses for
computers that are removed from the network must be manually reclaimed.

ii). It manages the pool of IP addresses automatically.

- With DHCP, this entire process is automated and managed centrally. The DHCP server
maintains a pool of IP addresses and leases an address to any DHCP-enabled client when it
starts up on the network. Because the IP addresses are dynamic (leased) rather than static
(permanently assigned), addresses no longer in use are automatically returned to the pool for
reallocation.

Components of DHCP
 DHCP server. The server device is in charge of answering an IP address request, provide an
available IP address, store it for the time of the lease and renew it later. It will handle the
communication with all the client devices. The server could be a computer or a part of the
router. 
  DHCP client. It must be present on the client devices (computer, mobile, IoT device, etc.). It
will request an IP address and communicate with the DHCP server to get it with the rest of
the data and confirm the process. 
 DHCP scope. This is the range of IP addresses that the DHCP server can offer to the DHCP
clients. Usually, the server will auto-assign addresses, starting from the smallest number,
and going to the highest. 
 Subnet. If the network is divided into pieces, there will be so-called subnets.
Lease. That is the time period that indicates how long a client can use the assigned IP
address before it expires. 
 DHCP relay. The relay is in charge of communication between the DHCP server and the
client. It will listen for messages and pass them to the right place. 

IP address allocation mechanisms of DHCP

There are three ways that you can configure the DHCP server:
1. Automatic allocation - This one will automatically assign an IP per client permanently. The
IP address will be designated for just one device, so if, in the future, many new devices get
connected, the server could run out of IP addresses to give.
2. Dynamic allocation - This is the most common configuration. The server auto-assigns IP
addresses to clients, but there is a time period. After the time expires, the client needs to
ask for a new IP address again. This will prevent the running out of IPs.
3. Manual allocation -  Manually the network administrator will assign the IP address to the
client. 

How does DHCP work?

For a network of connected devices and a DHCP server that manages the IP addresses, the
below steps applies;
 
 Step 1: DHCP Discover
When you connect a new device, it still does not have an IP address. It will search for an IP
address. It will call over the network for a DHCP server. This request will arrive to all of the
devices, and the server will also get it. 
 Step 2 DHCP Offer
The DHCP hears the call, and answer with an IP address, that it offers it to the newly connected
device. 
 Step 3 DHCP Request
The IP address arrives to the device. The device will accept it and will send a request to use it.
 Step 4 DHCP Pack
Once the server gets the accepting message from the device, it will provide the IP address to
the device, alongside the subnet mask and the DNS server. It will write a record with the
information of the newly connected device that usually includes the MAC address of the
connected device, the IP address that was assigned, and the expiration date of that IP address.
The DHCP leases the IP address for a limited time only. After the time passes, the IP address will
go back to the IP pool of available IP addresses and can be assigned to a new device again.

- Besides the DHCP services, the NOS provides the below services;
b). DNS services: - These services allow the administrator to map hostnames with related IP
addresses.
c). 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).
d). Web services: - These services allow the administrator to host websites and related
applications on the server.
e). File and print services: - These services allow the administrator to share files and printers
among clients.
f). 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.
g). 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.

Advantages of NOS
 Centralized servers are highly stable.
 Security is server managed.
 Upgradation of new technologies and hardware can be easily integrated into the system.
 It is possible to remote access to servers from different locations and types of systems.
Disadvantages of NOS
 High cost of buying and running a server.
 Dependency on a central location for most operations.
 Regular maintenance and updates are required.

Factors to consider when choosing an Network operating system

 Memory Management
When looking for an OS, you need something that will offer the best memory management.
Look for software that properly manages the memory.

 Robustness and Stability

This is amongst the most important features in an OS. Can the OS run without crashing or
hanging? You need an OS that is robust and stable. You might come across operating systems
that won’t work unless you reboot your computer a few times daily. This isn’t the OS to use on
your computer. Instead, you need to consider something that’s reliable. You should also
consider the different compatibility issues of the OS.

 Support and Cost

Most people think that the more you pay for an OS, the better your experience and support.
However, this is far from the truth. Instead, you need to look for what you need in an OS. At
times, a free OS will provide you with the best experience. It can be stable, light, and excellent
at memory management. Some operating systems that you end up spending money on might
promise the best support. However, this might not be the case when you encounter problems.
In some cases, the free operating systems might end up with better support than the paid
options. The free/open-source versions have official support channels, the only disadvantage
being that issues take longer to be resolved.

 Applications intended for the computer.

Which applications do you intend to use? This need to be factored in when selecting an
operating system.

 The number of users/licences

How many users do you intend to have in your network? How many licences can the OS
accommodate?

 Sharing Memory
Choose an OS with good memory sharing capabilities. For instance, if we preload modules and
scripts at server startup, they should be shared between the spawned children (at least for a
part of a process' life - memory pages can become "dirty" and cease to be shared). This feature
can reduce memory consumption a lot!