Network Operating System

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).
Examples:
JUNOS, used in routers and switches from Juniper Networks
Cisco Internetwork Operating System (IOS)
IPOS, used in routers from Ericsson
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 Operating System (ONOS)
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.
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.
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 clientserver model
Client-server
Network operating systems can be based on a clientserver 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.
Examples:
Novell NetWare
Windows Server
Banyan VINES
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.
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Cisco IOS (originally Internetwork Operating System) is a family of software used on most Cisco Systems routers and
current Cisco network switches. (Earlier switches ran CatOS.) IOS is a package of routing, switching, internetworking and
telecommunications functions integrated into a multitasking operating system. Although the IOS code base includes
acooperative multitasking kernel, most IOS features have been ported to other kernels such as QNX and Linux for use in
Cisco products or simulators such as Cisco VIRL.
Not all Cisco products run IOS. Notable exceptions include ASA security products, which run a Linux-derived operating
system, and carrier routers which run IOS-XR.

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Network Operating System

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Network operating system

Network device operating systems

Open source network operating system examples:

Historic network operating systems

The advantages include:

The disadvantages include:

The advantages include:

The disadvantages include:

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