Network operating system: Difference between revisions

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Added key functions of NOS with citation from GeeksforGeeks
 
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Historically operating systems with networking capabilities were described as network operating systems, because they allowed personal computers (PCs) to participate in [[computer network]]s and [[Shared resource|shared file and printer access]] within a local area network (LAN). This description of operating systems is now largely historical, as common operating systems include a [[network stack]] to support a client–server model.
Historically operating systems with networking capabilities were described as network operating systems, because they allowed personal computers (PCs) to participate in [[computer network]]s and [[Shared resource|shared file and printer access]] within a local area network (LAN). This description of operating systems is now largely historical, as common operating systems include a [[network stack]] to support a client–server model.


==Key Functions==
==Key functions==
Network Operating Systems (NOS) are responsible for managing various network activities. Key functions include creating and managing user accounts, controlling access to resources such as files and printers, and facilitating communication between devices. NOS also monitors network performance, addresses issues, and manages resources to ensure efficient and secure operation of the network.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/what-is-a-network-operating-system/ |title=What is a Network Operating System? |website=GeeksforGeeks |accessdate=2025-02-11}}</ref>
Network operating systems (NOS) are responsible for managing various network activities. Key functions include creating and managing user accounts, controlling access to resources such as files and printers, and facilitating communication between devices. Network operating systems also monitor network performance, addresses issues, and manages resources to ensure efficient and secure operation of the network.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/what-is-a-network-operating-system/ |title=What is a Network Operating System? |website=GeeksforGeeks |accessdate=2025-02-11 |archive-date=January 6, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250106111836/https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/what-is-a-network-operating-system/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


==History==
==History==
[[Packet switching]] networks were developed to share hardware resources, such as a [[mainframe computer]], a [[Printer (computing)|printer]] or a large and expensive [[hard disk]].<ref name="McHoes 2012">{{cite book |last1=McHoes |first1=Ann |last2=Flynn |first2=Ida M. |date=2012 |title=Understanding Operating Systems |publisher=CEngage Learning |isbn=9781133417569 |edition=6 }}</ref>{{Rp|318}}
[[Packet switching]] networks were developed to share hardware resources, such as a [[mainframe computer]], a [[Printer (computing)|printer]] or a large and expensive [[hard disk]].<ref name="McHoes 2012">{{cite book |last1=McHoes |first1=Ann |last2=Flynn |first2=Ida M. |date=2012 |title=Understanding Operating Systems |publisher=CEngage Learning |isbn=9781133417569 |edition=6 }}</ref>{{Rp|318}}


Historically, a network operating system was an [[operating system]] for a computer which implemented network capabilities. Operating systems with a [[network stack]] allowed [[personal computer]]s to participate in a [[client–server model|client-server architecture]] in which a [[Server (computing)|server]] enables multiple clients to share resources, such as [[Printer (computing)|printers]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Dean |first=Tamara |date=2009 |chapter=Network Operating Systems |title=Network+ Guide to Networks |isbn=9781337569330 |pages=421, 483 }}</ref><ref name="Winkelman 2009">{{cite web |last=Winkelman |first=Roy |date=2009 |at=6: Software |title=An Educator's Guide to School Networks |url=http://fcit.usf.edu/network/chap6/chap6.htm |website=FCIT.USF.edu |publisher=Florida Center for Instructional Technology, University of South Florida |access-date=December 23, 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |date=2011 |title=Network Operating System |magazine=PC Magazine |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] }}</ref>
Historically, a network operating system was an [[operating system]] for a computer which implemented network capabilities. Operating systems with a [[network stack]] allowed [[personal computer]]s to participate in a [[client–server model|client-server architecture]] in which a [[Server (computing)|server]] enables multiple clients to share resources, such as [[Printer (computing)|printers]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Dean |first=Tamara |date=2009 |chapter=Network Operating Systems |title=Network+ Guide to Networks |isbn=9781337569330 |pages=421, 483 }}</ref><ref name="Winkelman 2009">{{cite web |last=Winkelman |first=Roy |date=2009 |at=6: Software |title=An Educator's Guide to School Networks |url=http://fcit.usf.edu/network/chap6/chap6.htm |website=FCIT.USF.edu |publisher=Florida Center for Instructional Technology, University of South Florida |access-date=December 23, 2024 |archive-date=January 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130112074457/http://fcit.usf.edu/network/chap6/chap6.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |date=2011 |title=Network Operating System |magazine=PC Magazine |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] }}</ref>


These limited client/server networks were gradually replaced by [[Peer-to-peer]] networks, which used networking capabilities to share resources and files located on a variety of computers of all sizes. A peer-to-peer network sets all connected computers equal; they all share the same abilities to use resources available on the network.<ref name="Winkelman 2009" />
These limited client/server networks were gradually replaced by [[peer-to-peer]] networks, which used networking capabilities to share resources and files located on a variety of computers of all sizes. A peer-to-peer network sets all connected computers equal; they all share the same abilities to use resources available on the network.<ref name="Winkelman 2009" />


Today, [[distributed computing]] and [[groupware]] applications have become the norm. Computer operating systems include a networking stack as a matter of course.<ref name="McHoes 2012" />{{Rp|318}} During the 1980s the need to integrate dissimilar computers with network capabilities grew and the number of networked devices grew rapidly. Partly because it allowed for multi-vendor [[interoperability]], and could route packets globally rather than being restricted to a single building, the Internet protocol suite became almost universally adopted in network architectures. Thereafter, computer operating systems and the [[firmware]] of network devices tended to support Internet protocols.<ref name="McHoes 2012" />{{Rp|305}}
Today, [[distributed computing]] and [[groupware]] applications have become the norm. Computer operating systems include a networking stack as a matter of course.<ref name="McHoes 2012" />{{Rp|318}} During the 1980s the need to integrate dissimilar computers with network capabilities grew and the number of networked devices grew rapidly. Partly because it allowed for multi-vendor [[interoperability]], and could route packets globally rather than being restricted to a single building, the Internet protocol suite became almost universally adopted in network architectures. Thereafter, computer operating systems and the [[firmware]] of network devices tended to support Internet protocols.<ref name="McHoes 2012" />{{Rp|305}}
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* [[ExtremeXOS]] (EXOS), used in network devices made by [[Extreme Networks]]
* [[ExtremeXOS]] (EXOS), used in network devices made by [[Extreme Networks]]
* [[FTOS]] (Force10 Operating System), the [[firmware]] family used on [[Force10]] Ethernet switches
* [[FTOS]] (Force10 Operating System), the [[firmware]] family used on [[Force10]] Ethernet switches
* [[IPFire]], an open source firewall distribution
* [[ONOS]], an open source [[Software-defined networking|SDN]] operating system (hosted by [[The Linux Foundation|Linux Foundation]]) for communications service providers that is designed for scalability, high performance and high availability.
* [[ONOS]], an open source [[Software-defined networking|SDN]] operating system (hosted by [[The Linux Foundation|Linux Foundation]]) for communications service providers that is designed for scalability, high performance and high availability.
* [[OpenBSD]], an open source operating system which includes its own implementations of [[Border Gateway Protocol|BGP]], [[Resource Public Key Infrastructure|RPKI]], [[Open Shortest Path First|OSPF]], [[Multiprotocol Label Switching|MPLS]], [[VXLAN]], and other [[IETF]] standardized networking protocols, as well as firewall ([[PF (firewall)|PF]]) and [[Load balancing (computing)|load-balancing]] functionality.
* [[OpenBSD]], an open source operating system which includes its own implementations of [[Border Gateway Protocol|BGP]], [[Resource Public Key Infrastructure|RPKI]], [[Open Shortest Path First|OSPF]], [[Multiprotocol Label Switching|MPLS]], [[VXLAN]], and other [[IETF]] standardized networking protocols, as well as firewall ([[PF (firewall)|PF]]) and [[Load balancing (computing)|load-balancing]] functionality.

Latest revision as of 09:40, 24 October 2025

Template:Short description Template:Use American English Template:Use mdy dates

A network operating system (NOS) is a specialized operating system for a network device such as a router, switch or firewall.

Historically operating systems with networking capabilities were described as network operating systems, because they allowed personal computers (PCs) to participate in computer networks and shared file and printer access within a local area network (LAN). This description of operating systems is now largely historical, as common operating systems include a network stack to support a client–server model.

Key functions

Network operating systems (NOS) are responsible for managing various network activities. Key functions include creating and managing user accounts, controlling access to resources such as files and printers, and facilitating communication between devices. Network operating systems also monitor network performance, addresses issues, and manages resources to ensure efficient and secure operation of the network.[1]

History

Packet switching networks were developed to share hardware resources, such as a mainframe computer, a printer or a large and expensive hard disk.[2]Template:Rp

Historically, a network operating system was an operating system for a computer which implemented network capabilities. Operating systems with a network stack allowed personal computers to participate in a client-server architecture in which a server enables multiple clients to share resources, such as printers.[3][4][5]

These limited client/server networks were gradually replaced by peer-to-peer networks, which used networking capabilities to share resources and files located on a variety of computers of all sizes. A peer-to-peer network sets all connected computers equal; they all share the same abilities to use resources available on the network.[4]

Today, distributed computing and groupware applications have become the norm. Computer operating systems include a networking stack as a matter of course.[2]Template:Rp During the 1980s the need to integrate dissimilar computers with network capabilities grew and the number of networked devices grew rapidly. Partly because it allowed for multi-vendor interoperability, and could route packets globally rather than being restricted to a single building, the Internet protocol suite became almost universally adopted in network architectures. Thereafter, computer operating systems and the firmware of network devices tended to support Internet protocols.[2]Template:Rp

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).[6] Notable network operating systems include:

Proprietary network operating systems

FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, and Linux-based operating systems

See also

References

Template:Reflist

Template:Network operating systems Template:Operating system Template:Authority control

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  4. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  5. ↑ Template:Cite magazine
  6. ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
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