What is a Network Operating System?

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.
The two major types of network operating systems are:
• Peer-to-Peer
• Client/Server

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 (See fig. 1). 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. AppleShare and Windows for Workgroups are
examples of programs that can function as peer-to-peer network operating systems.

Advantages of a peer-to-peer network:

• Less initial expense - No need for a dedicated server.

• Setup - An operating system (such as Windows XP) already in place may only
need to be reconfigured for peer-to-peer operations.

Disadvantages of a peer-to-peer network:

• Decentralized - No central repository for files and applications.

• Security - Does not provide the security available on a client/server network.
Client/Server

Client/server network operating systems allow the network to centralize functions and
applications in one or more dedicated file servers (See fig. 2). The file servers become the
heart of the system, providing access to resources and providing security. Individual
workstations (clients) have access to the resources available on the file servers. The
network operating system provides the mechanism to integrate all the components of the
network and allow multiple users to simultaneously share the same resources irrespective
of physical location. Novell Netware and Windows 2000 Server are examples of
client/server network operating systems.

Advantages of a client/server network:

• Centralized - Resources and data security are controlled through the server.
• Scalability - Any or all elements can be replaced individually as needs increase.
• Flexibility - New technology can be easily integrated into system.
• Interoperability - All components (client/network/server) work together.
• Accessibility - Server can be accessed remotely and across multiple platforms.

Disadvantages of a client/server network:

• Expense - Requires initial investment in dedicated server.

• Maintenance - Large networks will require a staff to ensure efficient operation.
• Dependence - When server goes down, operations will cease across the network.

Network Operating System Software

The following links include some of the more popular peer-to-peer and client/server
network operating systems.

• Macintosh, OSX , Microsoft Windows Server, Novell, UNIX

Introduction to peer-to-peer architecture
In contrast to client-server networks there is no dedicated server in peer-to-peer
architecture . Thus each computer in such a network is part server and part client. This
means that each computer on the network is free to share its own resources. A computer
which is connected to a printer may even share the printer so that all other computers may
access it over the network.
Disadvantages of peer-to-peer architecture
Peer-to-peer networks have many disadvantages:
• this system is not centralised, making administration difficult
• lack of security
• no link in the network is reliable
Therefore, peer-to-peer networks are only useful for a small number of computers
(generally about 10), and only suitable for applications that do not require a high level of
security (it is not advisable in a business network containing sensitive data).
Advantages of peer-to-peer architecture
Nonetheless, peer-to-peer architecture does have several advantages:
• reduced cost (the costs involved in such a network are hardware, cabling and
maintenance )
• well tested simplicity
Installing a peer-to-peer network
Peer-to-peer networks do not require the same levels of performance and security as
dedicated server networks require. One can therefore use Windows NT Workstation,
Windows for Workgroups or Windows 95, as all of these operating systems contain all
the functionalities required for a peer-to-peer network.
Setting up such a network involves standard procedures:
• Computers are located in the user's office
• Each user is his own administrator and sets his own security
• Connected using simple and straightforward cabling
This architecture is generally sufficient for environments with the following
specifications:
• Less than 10 users
• All users are located in the same geographic area
• Security is not critical
• There are no major expansion plans for the company nor the network in the near
future
Administering a peer-to-peer network
The peer-to-peer network addresses the needs of a small company but may turn out to be
inadequate in certain environments. The following items should be addressed prior to
choosing a type of network: this is what is known as "Administration":
1. User management and security management
2. Making resources available
3. Maintenance of applications and data
 4. Installing and upgrading user applications
In a peer-to-peer network there is no administrator. Each user administers his own
computer. However all users may share their resources as they wish (data in shared
folders, printers, fax adapters, etc.).
Security concepts
Minimal security policy involves protecting a resource with a password. Peer-to-peer
network users set their own security, and as all shares may be found on all computers it is
difficult to control things centrally. This also poses a problem for global network
security, as some users do not secure their resources at all.
Types of Networks
Peer to Peer Network Client Server Network
Advantages Advantages
Allows two or PCs to pool their resources Centralized - Resources and data security are
together. controlled through the server.
Can be built with both 10BaseT cabling Network access speeds are usually faster than
and a hub or with a thin coax backbone. those found on peer-to-peer networks.
Drives can be easily shared between peer- Interoperability - All components
to-peer PCs. (client/network/server) work together.
Applications only need to be installed on Flexibility - New technology can be easily
one computer. integrated into system.
Reduced cost (the costs involved in such a It’s more secure because if a client wants to
network are hardware, cabling and communicate with another client he/she has to
maintenance. message to he/she and then it will first sent to
the file server, where it is then routed to its
destination.
Well tested simplicity. Scalability - Any or all elements can be
replaced individually as needs increase.
Setup - An operating system (such as Accessibility - Server can be accessed
Windows XP) already in place may only remotely and across multiple platforms.
need to be reconfigured for peer-to-peer
operations.
Less initial expense - No need for a
dedicated server.
Peer-to-peer is, by far the easiest type of
network to build for either home or office
use.
Each computer can make backup copies
of its data to other computers for security.
Network is fast and inexpensive to setup
and maintain.
Disadvantages Disadvantages
Lack of security - They are less secure Can cause network congestion by adding more
than client-server networks, especially so users
because the files have to shared and no
password is required.
No computer in the network is reliable Higher than anticipated costs

This system is not centralized, making Maintenance - Large networks will require a
staff to ensure efficient operation
administration difficult.
It is more time consuming to maintain the Dependence - When server goes down,
software on individual computers operations will cease across the network
Peer-to-peer networks are designed for a Lack of scalability - network operating systems
small number of users. Network speed and (e.g... Novell Netware, Windows NT Server)
performance starts to deteriorate usually are not very scalable.
after more than 10 computers are on the
network. This makes it difficult to grow
the network when the need to add more
computers on the network becomes
unavoidable.

Possibility of not discovering all peers