Network Operating Systems

Network Operating Systems and

Models
 NOS
• 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.
NOS Characteristics
• Network operating systems (NOSs)
distribute their functions over a
number of networked computers.
• It then adds functions that allow
access to shared resources by a
number of users concurrently.
• NOS computers take on specialized
roles to accomplish concurrent access
to shared resources.
• Client systems contain specialized
software that allows them to request
shared resources that are controlled
by server systems responding to a
client request.
Differences Between PC and a NOS
• The NOS enhances the reach of the client PC by making remote
services available as extensions of the local native operating
system.
• Although a number of users may have accounts on a PC, only a
single account is active on the system at any given time.
• NOS supports multiple user accounts at the same time and
enables concurrent access to shared resources by multiple clients.
Multiuser, Multitasking, and
Multiprocessor Systems
• A NOS server is a multitasking system.
Internally, the OS must be capable of
executing multiple tasks or processes at the
same time.
• Some systems are equipped with more than
one processor, called multiprocessing
systems.
• They are capable of executing multiple tasks
in parallel by assigning each task to a
different processor.
• The aggregate amount of work that the
server can perform in a given time is greatly
enhanced in multiprocessor systems.
NOS Server Hardware
• NOS servers are large systems with
additional memory to support
multiple tasks that are all active, or
resident, in memory at the same
time.
• Additional disk space is also required
on servers to hold shared files and
to function as an extension to the
internal memory on the system.
• Because a NOS depends on the
continuous operation of its servers,
the extra hardware components
justify the additional expense.
Choosing a NOS
• The main features to
consider when selecting a
NOS include:
– Performance
– Management and
monitoring tools
– Security
– Scalability
– Robustness/fault
tolerance
Types of NOS
• It is important to know the basics
about popular NOS families.
• Many networks now include more
than one server type, and knowing
how to get these diverse systems to
interoperate is an important skill
for a network administrator.
• Operating systems on the network
have their own language.
• Different NOS vendors use the
same terms in different ways.
Windows
Windows Terminology
• Windows server-based networks
that run Windows NT Server or
Windows 2000 Server are based on
the concept of the domain.
• A domain is a group of computers
and users that serves as a
boundary of administrative
authority.
• Windows NT domains and
Windows 2000 domains, although
similar in function, interact with
one another differently.
Windows NT 4.0
• The Domain Structure of
Windows NT was entirely
different from the Domain
Structure in Windows 2000.
• Instead of Active Directory,
Windows NT provides an
administrative tool called the
User Manager for Domains.
• It is accessed from the domain
controller and is used to create,
manage, and remove domain
user accounts.
 Windows NT 4.0
• Each NT domain requires one Primary Domain Controller
(PDC).
• This is a "master" server that contains the Security Accounts
Management Database (SAM).
• A domain can also have one or more Backup Domain
Controllers (BDCs), each of which contains a read-only copy
of the SAM.
• The SAM is what controls the authentication process when
a user logs onto the domain.
Windows 2000 and XP Operating
System
• The offline folders feature enables users to
copy and synchronize documents from the
network to the local system so that they can
be accessed when the computer is not
connected to the network.
• The Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) enables
users to print to a URL and manage printers
through a web browser interface.
• Built-in disk defragmenters and other tools
and utilities help users maintain and manage
the operating system.
• It supports Kerberos security (developing
standard for authenticating network users),
and the features of a Windows 2000 domain
as an Active Directory client.
Windows 2000 and XP Operating
System
XP also offers:
• More extensive hardware and driver support.
• More user-friendly file-sharing and network
configuration for setting
up home networks.
• Enhanced wireless network features
• Increased security
• Remote Desktop control
• Overall improvements to the GUI,
including the welcome
screen additions,
start menu improvements.
• Enhanced multimedia support for digital video,
audio, and
pictures.
Windows 2000 and 2003 Family of
Operating Systems
• The Windows 2000 family of operating systems
includes:
– Windows 2000 Professional
– Windows 2000 Server
– Windows 2000 Advanced Server
• The specific needs of the network will determine the
best version of Windows 2000 for the installation.
• The Windows 2003 family of operating systems
includes:
– Standard Edition
– Enterprise Edition
– Datacenter Edition
– Web Edition
– Small Business Server Edition
• 2003 Server release is the available support for 64-
bit systems in order to compete in the enterprise
level server arena.
Linux
 History of Linux
• Linux is an operating system similar to UNIX. It runs on
many different computers and was first released in
1991.
• Linux is portable, which means versions can be found
running on name brand or clone PCs.
• Linux offers many features adopted from other versions
of UNIX.
What is UNIX?
• The UNIX NOS was developed in
1969, and it has evolved into
many varieties.
• The source code is open, that is,
available at no cost to anyone
who wants to modify it.
• It is written in C programming
language so businesses,
academic institutions, and even
individuals can develop their
own versions.
• There are hundreds of different
versions of UNIX.
 Linux Operating System
• Linux is sometimes referred to as "UNIX Lite", and it is
designed to run on Intel-compatible PCs.
• However, Linux will run on other machines as well.
• Linux brings the advantages of UNIX to home and small
business computers.
• The following are a few of the most popular types:
– Red Hat Linux
– Linux Mandrake
– Caldera eDesktop and eServer
– Debian GNU/Linux
– Corel Linux
– Turbo Linux
Linux Clients
• Windows clients can access
Linux servers without client
software if the UNIX servers
run Samba, which is a
program that uses the Server
Message Block (SMB)
application layer protocol.
• Windows computers use SMB
for file access across the
network.
• Samba permits them to see
the Linux file system.
 Types of NOS
• There are two major types of network operating
systems:
• Peer-to-peer
• Client/server

• Nearly all modern networks are a combination of both.

The networking design can be considered independent
of the servers and workstations that will share it.
•
 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
Peer-to-peer
• 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.
• Nearly all modern desktop operating
systems, such as Macintosh OSX, Linux, and
Windows, 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
• 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.
• UNIX/Linux and the Microsoft family of
Windows Servers 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
large staff to ensure efficient operation.
• Dependence - When server goes down,
operations will cease across the network.
 Servers
• A server is a device with a particular set of
programs or protocols that provide various
services, which other machines or clients
request, to perform certain tasks.
• Together, a server and its clients form a
client/server network, which provides routing
systems and centralized access to information,
resources, stored data, etc.
• At the most ground level, one can consider it
as a technology solution that serves files, data,
print, fax resources and multiple computers.
• The advanced server versions, enable the user
to handle the accounts and passwords, allow
or limit the access to shared resources,
automatically support the data and access the
information remotely.
 Types of servers
• A server has many functions, and they come in
different types to facilitate different uses.

The multiple types of servers or types of

network servers are as follows:
• 1. Server Platform: Server platform is the
fundamental hardware or software for a system
which acts as an engine that drives the server. It is
often used synonymously with an operating system.

• 2. Application Server: Also known as a type of

middleware, it occupies a substantial amount of
computing region between database servers and the
end user, and is commonly used to connect the two.
• 3. Audio/Video Server: It provides multimedia
capabilities to websites by helping the user to
broadcast streaming multimedia content.

• 4. Chat Server: It serves the users to exchange data

in an environment similar to Internet newsgroup
which provides real-time discussion capabilities.

• 5. Fax Server: It is a good option for organizations

that seek minimum incoming and outgoing
telephone resources, but require to fax actual
documents.
• 6. FTP Server: It works on one of the oldest of
the Internet services, the file transfer
protocol. It provides a secure file transfer
between computers while ensuring file
security and transfer control.

• 7. Groupware Server: It is a software designed

that enables the users to work together,
irrespective of the location, through the
Internet or a corporate intranet and to
function together in a virtual atmosphere.
• 8. IRC Server: It is an ideal option for those
looking for real-time discussion capabilities.
Internet Relay Chat comprises different
network servers that enable the users to
connect to each other through an IRC network.

• 9. List Server: It provides a better way of

managing mailing lists. The server can be either
open interactive discussion for the people or a
one-way list that provides announcements,
newsletters or advertising.
• 10. Mail Server: It transfers and stores mails over
corporate networks through LANs, WANs and across the
Internet.

• 11. News Server: It serves as a distribution and delivery

source for many public news groups, approachable over
the USENET news network.

• 12. Proxy Server: It acts as a mediator between a client

program and an external server to filter requests,
improve performance and share connections.
• 13. Web Server: It provides static content to a
web browser by loading a file from a disk and
transferring it across the network to the user's
web browser. This exchange is intermediated
by the browser and the server,
communicating using HTTP.

• 14. Telnet Server: It enables the users to log

on to a host computer and execute tasks as if
they are working on a remote computer.
• 15. Virtual Servers: A virtual server is just like
a physical computer because it is committed
to an individual customer's demands, can be
individually booted and maintains privacy of a
separate computer.
• Basically, the distance among shared and
dedicated (hosting) servers is reduced
providing freedom to other customers, at a
less cost. Now, it has become very present in
the data center.
Example
 HTTP
http request http request

Laptop w/ http response http response

Netscape Desktop w/
Server w/ Apache Explorer

• HTTP: Hypertext Transfer Protocol

– Communication protocol between clients and servers
– Application layer protocol for WWW
• Client/Server model:
– Client: browser that requests, receives, displays object
– Server: receives requests and responds to them
• Protocol consists of various operations
– Few for HTTP 1.0 (RFC 1945, 1996)
– Many more in HTTP 1.1 (RFC 2616, 1999)
Web Servers: Implementation
Erich Nahum 43
and Performance
 How are Requests Generated?
• User clicks on something
• Uniform Resource Locator (URL):
– http://www.nytimes.com
– https://www.paymybills.com
– ftp://ftp.kernel.org
– news://news.deja.com
– telnet://gaia.cs.umass.edu
– mailto:[email protected]
• Different URL schemes map to different services
• Hostname is converted from a name to a 32-bit IP address
(DNS resolve)
• Connection is established to server
Most browser requests are HTTP requests.
 What Happens Then?
• Client downloads HTML document <html>
<head>
– Sometimes called “container page” <meta
name=“Author”
– Typically in text format (ASCII) content=“Erich Nahum”>
<title> Linux Web
– Contains instructions for rendering Server Performance
</title>
(e.g., background color, frames) </head>
– Links to other pages <body text=“#00000”>
<img width=31
height=11
src=“ibmlogo.gif”>
<img
• Many have embedded objects: src=“images/new.gif>
<h1>Hi There!</h1>
– Images: GIF, JPG (logos, banner ads) Here’s lots of cool
linux stuff!
– Usually automatically retrieved <a href=“more.html”>
Click here</a>
• I.e., without user involvement for more!
</body>
• can control sometimes </html>
(e.g. browser options, junkbusters)
sample html file
 So What’s a Web Server Do?
• Respond to client requests, typically a browser
– Can be a proxy, which aggregates client requests (e.g., AOL)
– Could be search engine spider or custom
• May have work to do on client’s behalf:
– Is the client’s cached copy still good?
– Is client authorized to get this document?
– Is client a proxy on someone else’s behalf?
– Run an arbitrary program (e.g., stock trade)
• Hundreds or thousands of simultaneous clients
• Hard to predict how many will show up on some day
• Many requests are in progress concurrently
What do HTTP Requests Look Like?
GET /images/penguin.gif HTTP/1.0
User-Agent: Mozilla/0.9.4 (Linux 2.2.19)
Host: www.kernel.org
Accept: text/html, image/gif, image/jpeg
Accept-Encoding: gzip
Accept-Language: en
Accept-Charset: iso-8859-1,*,utf-8
Cookie: B=xh203jfsf; Y=3sdkfjej
<cr><lf>

• Messages are in ASCII (human-readable)

• Carriage-return and line-feed indicate end of headers
• Headers may communicate private information
– (e.g., browser, OS, cookie information, etc.)
What Kind of Requests are there?
Called Methods:
• GET: retrieve a file (95% of requests)
• HEAD: just get meta-data (e.g., mod time)
• POST: submitting a form to a server
• PUT: store enclosed document as URI
• DELETE: removed named resource
• LINK/UNLINK: in 1.0, gone in 1.1
• TRACE: http “echo” for debugging (added in 1.1)
• CONNECT: used by proxies for tunneling (1.1)
• OPTIONS: request for server/proxy options (1.1)
What Do Responses Look Like?
HTTP/1.0 200 OK
Server: Tux 2.0
Content-Type: image/gif
Content-Length: 43
Last-Modified: Fri, 15 Apr 1994 02:36:21 GMT
Expires: Wed, 20 Feb 2002 18:54:46 GMT
Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2001 14:29:48 GMT
Cache-Control: no-cache
Pragma: no-cache
Connection: close
Set-Cookie: PA=wefj2we0-jfjf
<cr><lf>
<data follows…>
• Similar format to requests (i.e., ASCII)
 What Responses are There?
• 1XX: Informational (def’d in 1.0, used in 1.1)
100 Continue, 101 Switching Protocols
• 2XX: Success
200 OK, 206 Partial Content
• 3XX: Redirection
301 Moved Permanently, 304 Not Modified
• 4XX: Client error
400 Bad Request, 403 Forbidden, 404 Not Found
• 5XX: Server error
500 Internal Server Error, 503 Service Unavailable, 505
HTTP Version Not Supported