Network operating system
The term network operating system is used to refer to two rather different concepts:
- A specialized operating system for a network device such as a router, switch or firewall.
- An operating system oriented to computer networking, to allow shared file and printer access among multiple computers in a network, to enable the sharing of data, users, groups, security, applications, and other networking functions,[1] typically over a local area network (LAN), or private network. This sense is now largely historical, as common operating systems generally now have such features included.
Network device operating systems
Network operating systems can be embedded in a router or hardware firewall that operates the functions in the network layer (layer 3).[2]
- Examples:
- pfSense, a fork of M0n0wall, uses PF
- IPOS, used in routers from Ericsson
- FortiOS, used in Fortigates from Fortinet
- TiMOS, used in routers from Alcatel-Lucent
- Versatile Routing Platform (VRP), used in routers from Huawei
- RouterOS, software which turns a PC or MikroTik hardware into a dedicated router
- ZyNOS, used in network devices made by ZyXEL.
- Extensible Operating System used in switches from Arista
- ExtremeXOS (EXOS), used in network devices made by Extreme Networks
- Embedded Linux, in distributions like Openwrt and DD-WRT which run on low-cost platforms such as the Linksys WRT54G
- Open source network operating system examples:
- Cumulus Linux distribution, which uses the full TCP/IP stack of Linux.
- Dell Networking Operating System (DNOS) is the new name for the operating system running on switches from Dell Networking; it will run atop NetBSD
- Open Network Linux (ONL)
- PicOS, Linux-based OpenFlow-supporting switching operating system from made by Pica8
- VyOS, an open source fork of the Vyatta routing package
- OpenSwitch Linux Network Operating System from Hewlett-Packard.[3]
Historic network operating systems
Early microcomputer operating systems such as CP/M, DOS and classic Mac OS were designed for one user on one computer. As local area network technology became available, two general approaches to handle sharing arose.
Peer-to-peer
In a peer-to-peer 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 use resources available on the network.[4]
- Examples:
- AppleShare used for networking connecting Apple products.
- LANtastic supporting DOS, Microsoft Windows, and OS/2 computers
- Windows for Workgroups used for networking peer-to-peer Windows computers.
The advantages include:
- Ease of setup
- Less hardware needed, no server need be acquired
The disadvantages include:
- No central location for storage
- Less security than the client–server model
Client-server
Network operating systems can be based on a client–server model (architecture) in which a server enables multiple clients to share resources.[1] Client-server network operating systems allow networks 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.[4][5]
- Examples:
The advantages include:
- Centralized servers are more stable.
- Security is provided through the server.
- New technology and hardware can be easily integrated into the system.
- Hardware and the operating system can be specialized, with a focus on performance.
- Servers are able to be accessed remotely from different locations and types of systems.
The disadvantages include:
- Buying and running a server raises costs.
- Dependence on a central location for operation.
- Requires regular maintenance and updates.
See also
References
- ^ a b Dean, Tamara (2009). "Network Operating Systems", Network+ Guide to Networks, 421(483)
- ^ Al-Shawakfa, Emad; Evens, Martha (2001). "The Dialoguer: An Interactive Bilingual Interface to a Network Operating System.", Expert Systems Vol. 18 Issue 3, p131, 19p, Retrieved 5/7/2011.
- ^ Kerner, Sean Michael (October 5, 2015) HP Launches OpenSwitch Linux Network Operating System. enterprisenetworkingplanet.com
- ^ a b Winkelman, Dr. Roy (2009). "Chapter 6: Software", An Educator's Guide to School Networks, 6.
- ^ Davis, Ziff (2011). "network operating system", PCmag.comRetrieved 5/7/2011.