CHAPTER THREE

NETWORK OPERATING SYSTEMS

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 3. Network Operating System (NOS)
 A Network Operating System (NOS) is an operating system designed to
support networking capabilities, providing essential services
for managing network resources, communication between devices,
and the administration of network security.
 Unlike a general-purpose operating system (e.g., Windows, Linux, macOS),
which manages the resources of a single computer,
a Network Operating System manages the resources of
multiple devices within a network and facilitates
their communication and coordination.
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 3.1 Key Features of a Network Operating System
 A Network Operating System typically offers several key features that are essential
for managing a network effectively:
1.Resource Sharing:
 The NOS enables users and devices on a network to share resources like files,
printers, and applications.
This includes the management of shared folders, network printers, and centralized
applications.
2. Security and Access Control:
 A NOS provides security features to protect the network from unauthorized access
and to define who can access specific resources.
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This may include authentication methods, encryption, and user permissions.
 3.1 Key Features of a Network Operating System----
3. Network Communication:
 The NOS facilitates communication between network devices (computers, servers,
printers, etc.) using network protocols such as TCP/IP, UDP, and HTTP.
4. File Management:
 It manages file storage and access, ensuring that files are available to users on the
network and can be accessed or modified in real-time.
5. Centralized Administration:
 Network Operating Systems allow for centralized management,
where administrators can configure, monitor, and
troubleshoot network services from a single location.
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This can include user account management, system updates, and resource allocation.
 3.1 Key Features of a Network Operating System----
6. Network Protocol Support:
 The NOS supports various network protocols that allow devices on the network to
communicate.
 These protocols include TCP/IP, NetBIOS, SMB (Server Message Block), and others.
7. Support for Network Devices:
 A NOS can manage and interact with various network devices
like routers, switches, firewalls, and network interface cards (NICs),
allowing these devices to work cohesively as part of the network infrastructure.
8. Remote Access:
 Many network operating systems allow users to remotely access network resources and
systems through virtual private networks (VPNs), remote desktop protocols (RDP), or other
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 Types of Network Operating Systems
 There are several types of network operating systems designed to meet different
needs and environments. Some of the most common types include:
1. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Network Operating Systems
 In a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) network, each device on the network can act as both a client
and a server.
 There is no central server that manages the entire network.
 These systems are typically used in small-scale networks where a few devices need to
share resources with each other without centralized management.
Examples:
 Windows 10 Home (P2P model)
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 Linux-based systems in a P2P configuration
 Types of Network Operating Systems-----
2. Client-Server Network Operating Systems
 A Client-Server network model involves a centralized server that manages and
controls the network resources, and client devices connect to the server to access
those resources.
 The server provides services such as file storage, print services, and network
authentication.
 Client devices do not have direct access to other client machines, only the server.
Examples:
 Windows Server (e.g., Windows Server 2022, Windows Server 2019)
 Unix-based systems (e.g., Linux, BSD)
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 Novell NetWare (historically)
 Types of Network Operating Systems-----
3. Hybrid Network Operating Systems
 These systems combine aspects of both peer-to-peer and client-server models.
 In a hybrid network, certain resources may be #
shared directly between peer devices, while others may be
accessed through a central server.
Examples:
 Windows Server in a network with workgroups and domains.
 Linux servers acting as centralized file servers in a mostly peer-to-peer
environment.
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 Popular Network Operating Systems
1. Microsoft Windows Server
 Microsoft's Windows Server is one of the most commonly used network operating
systems for businesses and enterprises.
 It provides a robust platform for managing network resources, centralized security,
user authentication, file sharing, and more.
Key features of Windows Server:
 Active Directory integration for centralized user and resource management.
 Group Policy for enforcing security and configurations.
 File and print services.
 Network monitoring and administration tools.
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 Virtualization support via Hyper-V
 Popular Network Operating Systems----
2. Linux-based NOS
 Linux, an open-source operating system, is widely used as a
network operating system, especially for servers.
 It is highly customizable and often used for web servers, file servers, and database servers.
Popular Linux-based network operating systems:
2.1 Ubuntu Server:
A popular and user-friendly server distribution that provides tools for managing network
resources, web services, and file sharing.
2.2 Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL):
 A commercial Linux distribution known for its enterprise support and robust network
management features.
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 Popular Network Operating Systems----
2.3 CentOS:
A community-supported distribution based on RHEL(Red Hat Enterprise Linux), commonly
used for web hosting and server deployments.
2.4 Debian:
A flexible and stable Linux distribution, often used for server installations in network
environments.
3. UNIX and UNIX-like Systems
 UNIX-based systems have been around for decades and remain a staple in enterprise network
environments.
 UNIX systems are known for their reliability, scalability, and robust networking capabilities.
 UNIX-like operating systems (such as Linux and macOS) are commonly used in networked
environments. 11
 Popular Network Operating Systems----
Key features of UNIX-based NOS:
 Multitasking and multiuser capabilities.
 Support for advanced networking protocols and security.
 Compatibility with many network management tools.
4. Novell NetWare (Historical)
 Novell NetWare was one of the earliest network
operating systems, which was popular in the 1980s and 1990s.
 It was primarily used in small- to medium-sized businesses for
file and print sharing, user authentication,
and network management. 12
 Popular Network Operating Systems----
Key features of NetWare:
 Efficient file and print sharing.
 Integrated directory services (NDS, later renamed eDirectory).
 Support for various network protocols like IPX/SPX.
Though Novell NetWare is no longer widely used,
it played a significant role in the development of
modern network operating systems.

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 Components of a Network Operating System
 A Network Operating System typically includes several core components to manage
resources and facilitate communication across a network:
1.Server Software:
 This includes the operating system on the server that provides services to clients, such
as file sharing, printing, and user authentication.
2. Client Software:
 The operating system on client devices that allows them to access network resources
and services provided by the server.
3. Directory Services:
 Directory services like Active Directory (Windows) or LDAP (Linux/Unix) provide
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centralized management of network resources, user accounts, and security policies.
 Components of a Network Operating System-----
4. Network Protocols:
 A NOS supports various protocols for communication between devices on the
network.
The most common protocols include:
A. TCP/IP:
 The foundational protocol for communication on the internet and most modern
networks.
B. SMB/CIFS:
 Used for file sharing and printer access in Windows-based networks.
C. NFS:
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 A protocol commonly used in Unix/Linux systems for file sharing.
 Components of a Network Operating System-----
5. Security Services:
 A NOS includes tools and features to manage network security,
such as user authentication, permissions,
firewall configuration, and encryption.
6. Management Tools:
 These tools allow network administrators to
monitor, manage, and troubleshoot the network.
 Examples include Network Monitor, Remote Desktop,
Group Policy Management, and Performance Monitoring.

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 Functions of a Network Operating System
1. Network Resource Management:
 A NOS enables the sharing of resources such as files, printers, and applications
across the network, allowing users and devices to access them centrally.
2. Centralized Authentication:
 It provides authentication and authorization services for users to ensure that only
authorized individuals can access network resources.
3. Network Security:
 A NOS typically includes security features such as
firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention, encryption, and
access control lists (ACLs) to protect the
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network from unauthorized access and threats.
 Functions of a Network Operating System------
4. Remote Access:
 Remote users can connect to the network through VPNs or remote desktop services, allowing
them to access files, applications, and other resources as if they were physically present on the
network.
5. File and Print Services:
 A NOS manages the sharing of files and printers across the network, providing seamless access
to these resources for users.
6. Monitoring and Troubleshooting:
 A NOS includes tools to monitor the health and performance of the network and troubleshoot
issues that may arise.
 This can include bandwidth usage, system status, and connectivity issues.
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 Advantages of a Network Operating System
1. Centralized Management:
 Administrators can manage all resources, security, and users from a central location,
simplifying administrative tasks.
2. Resource Sharing:
 A NOS allows for the sharing of resources such as printers, files, and applications
across multiple users, improving efficiency and collaboration.
3. Security:
 A NOS provides mechanisms to secure the network, including
user authentication, access controls, and encryption, which are
essential for protecting data and preventing unauthorized access.
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 Advantages of a Network Operating System------
3. Scalability:
 A network operating system can easily be scaled as the network grows,
with the addition of new devices, users, and resources.
4. Reliability and Availability:
 Many NOSs are designed for high availability, providing
redundancy and fault tolerance, ensuring that
network services are consistently available.

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 Disadvantages of a Network Operating System
1. Complexity:
 Setting up and maintaining a NOS can be complex, especially in larger
environments.
 Network administrators need specialized knowledge to configure and manage the
system properly.
2. Cost:
 Enterprise-grade NOSs, like Windows Server or Red Hat Enterprise Linux, can be
costly due

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 Network Operating System (NOS) Services
 A Network Operating System (NOS) provides a variety of
essential services that enable the efficient management,
communication, and security of networked
resources across computers and devices.
 These services allow a network to function smoothly,
facilitating centralized administration, resource sharing, and
ensuring secure and reliable operations for all
devices connected to the network.
Here’s a breakdown of the key services provided by a Network Operating
System: 22
 Network Operating System (NOS) Services------
1. File and Print Services
 One of the fundamental services of a Network Operating System is to

allow the sharing and management of files and printers across the network.

A. File Services:
 This enables the sharing of files, folders, and directories across different users and devices in

the network.
 The NOS manages access rights, ensuring that users can read, write, modify, or delete files

based on their permissions.

Example: Network File System (NFS) for Linux-based systems or Server Message Block

(SMB) for Windows-based systems. 23

 Network Operating System (NOS) Services-----
B. Print Services:
 The NOS enables multiple users to access and use printers connected to the network.
 The NOS manages print queues, jobs, and printer permissions.
Example: Windows Print Services or CUPS (Common Unix Printing System) for Linux.
2. Authentication and Security Services
 Authentication and security are core to the functioning of a NOS, ensuring that
network resources are protected and accessible only by authorized users.
A. User Authentication:
 This process ensures that users are who they claim to be by verifying credentials (like
usernames and passwords).
 Services like Kerberos (used in Active Directory) are commonly used for secure
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authentication.
 Network Operating System (NOS) Services-----
B. Access Control:
 NOSs allow the creation of user accounts and groups with specific permissions for accessing
network resources.
 Access is often managed using Access Control Lists (ACLs), which determine who can
access specific files or devices and what actions they can perform (read, write, execute, etc.).
C. Single Sign-On (SSO):
 In enterprise environments, a NOS can support SSO, which allows users to authenticate
once and access multiple services without needing to re-enter credentials.
 Example:
Active Directory (Windows Server) or LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access
Protocol) for directory-based authentication. 25
 Network Operating System (NOS) Services-----
3. Directory Services
 Directory services manage and store information about resources, users, and devices in a
network.
A. Centralized Directory Management:
 A NOS can provide directory services that store information about users, groups,
computers, and network resources.
This makes it easier to manage network objects and permissions from a single point of
administration.
 Active Directory (AD) in Windows Server is a widely used directory service that organizes
network objects and provides access control, authentication, and security policies.
 LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) is another directory service standard used
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in many NOSs for accessing and maintaining directory information
 Network Operating System (NOS) Services-----
4. Network Communication Services
 A NOS enables communication between devices on a network, facilitating the transfer of
data, messages, and resources.
A. TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol):
 The most commonly used suite of communication protocols in modern
NOSs that allows devices to communicate over local area
networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and the internet.
B. DNS (Domain Name System):
 The NOS supports DNS services, translating
human-readable domain names (e.g., www.example.com)
into IP addresses that devices use to communicate with each other.
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 Network Operating System (NOS) Services-----
C. DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol):
 The NOS assigns IP addresses dynamically to devices on the network, allowing them
to communicate without needing static IP configurations.
5. Network Management Services
 Network management services are essential for monitoring, troubleshooting, and
maintaining the network’s health and performance.
A. Network Monitoring:
 NOSs provide tools to monitor network traffic, device status, bandwidth utilization,
and connectivity issues.
 Example: Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) can be used for
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monitoring network devices and their status.
 Network Operating System (NOS) Services-----
B. Traffic Management:
 A NOS can offer Quality of Service (QoS) and traffic shaping to
prioritize specific types of network traffic (e.g., voice, video)
to ensure smooth communication in critical applications.
C. System Logs and Event Monitoring:
 The NOS generates logs and system events to help
administrators track activity on the network,
identify issues, and perform troubleshooting.

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 Network Operating System (NOS) Services-----
6. Remote Access Services
 Remote access services allow users to connect to the network from remote locations securely.
A. Virtual Private Network (VPN):
 A NOS may include VPN services to securely connect remote users or offices to the network.
 VPNs encrypt traffic to ensure security while users access resources remotely.
 Example: Windows Server’s Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS) or OpenVPN on
Linux.
B. Remote Desktop:
 Many NOSs support remote desktop services, enabling users to access their desktop
environment remotely and work as if they were physically at their workstation.
 Example: Windows Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) or VNC (Virtual Network Computing) on
Linux. 30
 Network Operating System (NOS) Services-----
7. Database and Application Services
 A NOS may provide services that allow applications to run on the network, often using
centralized databases or shared application resources.
A. Database Management:
 A NOS may integrate with database servers like SQL Server, MySQL, or PostgreSQL,
enabling multiple users to access and interact with databases stored on the network.
B. Application Hosting:
 Network operating systems can host and manage software applications that multiple users
can access simultaneously.
 Example: Windows Server’s Terminal Services for application hosting or
Apache Tomcat for Java applications on Linux 31
 Network Operating System (NOS) Services-----
8. Backup and Recovery Services
 A NOS includes tools to back up data and recover it in case of hardware failure, system
crash, or other disasters.
A. Automated Backups:
 Network Operating Systems often support automated backup solutions that regularly back
up data, configurations, and network settings.
 Example: Windows Server Backup or rsync on Linux for file synchronization and backup.
B. Disaster Recovery:
 The NOS can provide options for recovering from catastrophic data loss, including system
snapshots, incremental backups, and the ability to restore previous versions of files or entire
systems. 32
 Network Operating System (NOS) Services-----
9. Virtualization Services
 Network Operating Systems also provide virtualization capabilities, allowing for the creation
and management of virtual machines (VMs) to run multiple operating systems on a single
physical server.
A. Virtual Machine Management:
 A NOS may include tools for creating, managing, and optimizing virtual machines, allowing
administrators to run multiple operating systems and applications on one server.
Example: Hyper-V (on Windows Server) or KVM (on Linux).
B. Containerization:
 In addition to VMs, containerization technologies like Docker or Kubernetes allow
applications to be isolated and run on virtualized environments for better resource utilization.
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 Network Operating System (NOS) Services-----
10. Time Synchronization Services
 Network operating systems ensure that all devices in the network are synchronized to the
same time, preventing issues caused by mismatched timestamps.
A. Network Time Protocol (NTP):
 NOSs use NTP services to synchronize the time across devices on the network, ensuring
consistency in logs, transactions, and authentication processes.
11. Collaboration Services
 Some NOSs provide tools and services that enable team collaboration and productivity,
especially in a business environment.

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 Network Operating System (NOS) Services-----
A. Email Services:
 The NOS can provide email services or integrate with email servers to facilitate
communication within the organization.
Example: Microsoft Exchange for email, calendaring, and collaboration.
B. Groupware:
 Groupware applications, such as Microsoft SharePoint, allow multiple users to
collaborate on projects, share documents, and manage tasks.

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