January 2, 2025
by Holly Landis / January 2, 2025
Even as a small business, you’re probably running multiple devices on at least one network. For larger enterprise organizations, there could be thousands of computers, printers, smartphones, and more, all connected to this network.
So, how do all of these devices talk to each other and provide users access to the files, resources, and functions they need to do their jobs? The answer lies in network operating systems (NOS), the backbone of every business.
A network operating system (NOS) is specialized software that allows different devices on the same network to communicate with each other. Its primary function is to share applications, files, databases, and any other resources, equipping users with access to these across any of the connected devices.
Beyond managing this access, NOS ensures that network operations are both efficient and secure.
Typically, operating systems are used on an individual level for each device connected to the network. For instance, a computer and a tablet would both run their own OS but connect to the main company NOS. This allows the user to easily access shared files or information in the wider system.
A network operating system is designed to manage and share resources held on the network across multiple devices at any time, providing a centralized system for management and optimization. Think of this as a “one-to-many” distribution system from the server to any device connected to the network.
A traditional operating system (OS), like Windows or macOS, operates in a similar way but for a single device, like a desktop or laptop, rather than the entire network. These systems manage files and hardware, along with running applications, on that individual device only.
Where a NOS is “one-to-many,” an OS is “one-to-one.”
Every network server is configured to meet the unique needs of the business, but here are the two main types that every NOS falls into.
All devices connected to a peer-to-peer network OS have the same level of access and equal functionality. Each device has its own local memory but can use the network OS to communicate and share resources with other devices on the network.
For smaller teams with fewer than 25 devices on the network, this setup is ideal as it makes resources more accessible. Each device has the ability to manage other users on the network and other security systems for the OS.
While this makes sharing resources faster and easier, it’s also a less secure setup since there’s no centralized management option when all devices are treated equally. If the server fails, the entire system is disrupted, which can cause significant delays in work productivity and even data loss.
Examples: Home networks, small office networks using software like Windows Homegroup.
On a client/server network OS, a single server connects to multiple devices. But, unlike peer-to-peer, these systems use the server to act as a centralized point from which all devices can then access individually based on their access level.
Both the server and the client or user share the responsibility for accessing network resources, but the server keeps all the information, like files and databases. Users can send requests to access these resources on their own devices.
For larger organizations or companies handling sensitive data, client/server NOS is more suitable. It offers better security and higher performance, and the server acts as a backup for any potentially lost data.
Although the system is more expensive to set up and requires a trained administrator to manage it, the benefits outweigh the costs.
Examples: Microsoft Windows Server, Linux distributions (like Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Ubuntu Server), Novell NetWare.
The specialized software that most NOS run has similar features that make sharing resources across the network easier for businesses and teams. While each NOS can be configured to suit the company setup and requirements, most, particularly those running on a client/server model, offer the same functionality.
One of the most important features of a NOS is controlling who has access to different resources on the network. These settings are configured from a centralized administrative hub to maintain network security.
For any business, the goal should be to allow authorized users access only to the files and applications needed to complete their work rather than giving every user the same level of access to every resource on the network.
When multiple devices and users connect to the same network, they can easily share any resources hosted on the NOS like files, and applications, and even access other connected devices like printers or scanners.
Sharing data and hardware across the network is essential for team collaboration and improving productivity company-wide while ensuring that any network resources are managed securely. Since NOSs can connect to devices remotely, information can be shared no matter where the devices are located - whether it’s in the same room or across the globe.
With the growing risks of cyber threats, keeping networks secure should be a top priority for any business. Even with multiple devices connected to the operating system, these specialized tools come with a number of security features like user authentication, data encryption, and access control that administrators have responsibility for. These measures are the best ways to keep both data and users safe from unauthorized access.
When issues come up on the network, the operating system has built-in troubleshooting functionality. Flagging to alert administrators is essential for minimizing downtime on the network while identifying problems and isolating them so that they can be fixed. For some common network operating system issues, there may also be features that provide automated fixes to keep everything running smoothly.
As your business grows and new team members join, the functions of your NOS will likely need to adapt with you. Ensuring your network operating system can scale when introducing a new NOS to your business.
A good NOS should be able to handle increased traffic, connect more devices, and manage additional resource storage, all without compromising network performance.
Particularly at busy times or as your company expands, the network might experience large amounts of traffic or client-to-server requests. This can cause network congestion and make performance slower.
To avoid this, choose a NOS that can support load balancing, a feature that ascertains traffic can be redistributed across different servers to improve efficiency.
Losing data is expensive for every business and can be a significant disruption to your work. Many NOSs now come with backup and recovery functionality that help protect against possible data loss across the system, such as automated system backups at scheduled times throughout the day or week.
Recovery plans are important to map out, should data loss occur. Introducing additional storage solutions like network-attached storage (NAS) or storage area networks (SANs) can be useful for providing a home for server backups should the original network server fail.
There are many NOS options available, each with similar functions. Finding the right one for your business will often come down to budget and specific features that you might be looking for. Some of the most popular examples of NOS’s are:
Integrating a network operating system into your business comes with numerous benefits. Although the upfront cost will need to be accounted for, the lasting advantages of using these systems can significantly improve many aspects of your company and the day-to-day work of your team.
An NOS provides more comprehensive security features compared to other resource management and data storage alternatives. Protecting your most important and sensitive data is vital, and with tools like user authentication and data encryption, your network operating system can provide the security you’re looking for.
With users able to access resources from their individual devices, team collaboration becomes much simpler. Sharing files and accessing common applications becomes efficient, which boosts overall team productivity across the company.
A centralized management hub manages connected network devices, authorized users and their access levels, and resources held in network storage, making your network administrator’s job easier. By providing access to all of these elements from a single dashboard or interface, the time to manage and maintain these important pieces of the network is significantly reduced.
Although there are upfront costs in setting up a new network operating system, the rewards that these systems can bring over the next several years can result in cost savings for the business. By improving your IT infrastructure, you can reduce overheads by optimizing multiple parts of your system at one time, reducing the need to duplicate or replace other software or hardware.
A network operating system offer numerous benefits, but also comes with its own set of challenges:
Network operating systems are the connecting force for millions of businesses, providing an efficient and secure way for teams to communicate digitally. Whether you’re working in a complex enterprise system or managing a smaller network, the right network operating system can make a big difference to your business.
Boost your business’s network security with network detection and response (NDR) software that alerts you to security threats and automates solutions.
Edited by Monishka Agrawal
Holly Landis is a freelance writer for G2. She also specializes in being a digital marketing consultant, focusing in on-page SEO, copy, and content writing. She works with SMEs and creative businesses that want to be more intentional with their digital strategies and grow organically on channels they own. As a Brit now living in the USA, you'll usually find her drinking copious amounts of tea in her cherished Anne Boleyn mug while watching endless reruns of Parks and Rec.
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