Networking Operating System (NOS)

What Is a Network Operating System (NOS)?

A network operating system (NOS) is a specialized operating system designed for network devices, such as routers, switches, and firewalls.

Historically, operating systems with networking capabilities were classified as network operating systems because they enabled personal computers (PCs) to connect to computer networks and share files and printers within a local area network (LAN). However, this classification has become largely historical, as most conventional operating systems now include a comprehensive network stack to support the client-server model.

Types of Network Operating Systems

Network operating systems can be classified into two types:

Proprietary NOS

These systems are developed by either hardware or software vendors. Hardware vendors such as Cisco and Juniper create NOS like Cisco IOS and Juniper Junos, specifically optimized for their hardware platforms. On the other hand, software vendors such as VMware, Microsoft, and DriveNets develop NOS designed to run on various hardware platforms, catering to diverse customer needs. Examples of proprietary NOS from software vendors include VMware NSX and Microsoft Windows Server.

Open-source NOS

Open-source NOS solutions like SONiC and FRRouting (FRR) offer customers the flexibility to customize NOS with virtually no limitations. However, these solutions require a high level of technical expertise to operate, deploy, and address any feature gaps, owing to a smaller developer community.

Why do network operators need an NOS?

In today’s digital landscape, the need for reliable and high-performance networks is more critical than ever. Network Operating Systems (NOS) are pivotal in ensuring that data and services flow seamlessly and efficiently across various networks, from small local area networks (LANs) to expansive large-scale networks.

Key features and capabilities of a modern NOS include:

• Resource management: A NOS efficiently allocates resources such as storage space, memory, and network bandwidth to connected devices. It ensures smooth operations by preventing any single device from monopolizing resources and slowing down the network.

• Network security: A NOS safeguards the network from unauthorized access and malicious attacks. This includes user authentication, access control lists (ACLs), firewalls, and advanced routing capabilities.

• Service communication and sharing: A NOS enables devices on the network to share data and services using standard protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP) and facilitates service discovery across the network.

• Monitoring and troubleshooting: A NOS allows administrators to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot connected devices, thus simplifying network maintenance.

• Scalability: An advanced NOS can accommodate a growing network, seamlessly adapting as more devices are added.