Network Operating Systems and Types of Networks

Overview of Network Operating Systems

• Definition: A network operating system (OS) allows users to communicate on a network, unlike a standalone OS.
• Functionality:
  • Supports multiple users logging into the same system using usernames and passwords.
  • Maintains user privacy by separating user accounts.
  • Provides access to shared resources such as printers and storage.

Formation of Networks

• A network is created when two or more computers are connected.

Types of Networks

1. Local Area Network (LAN)

• Description: Connects devices in a small area.
• Common Locations: Schools, office buildings.

2. Personal Area Network (PAN)

• Description: A network for devices near an individual user.
• Wireless PAN (WPAN): If connections are only wireless, it becomes a WPAN.

3. Wide Area Network (WAN)

• Description: Connects devices over a large geographic area.
• Application: Used by multinational organizations; can include satellite connections.
• Example: The Internet is the largest WAN.

4. Tethering

• Description: Connects a host device with broadband to another device to share the internet connection.
• Control: Mobile network providers can enable or disable tethering.

Device Identification in Networks

IP Address

• Function: Unique identifier for network devices to communicate and send data.
• Types:
  • IPv4
  • IPv6

MAC Address

• Definition: A universally unique identifier for a device.
• Structure:
  • The first half identifies the NIC manufacturer.
  • The second half is unique to the device.

Device Name

• Purpose: A descriptive name for users to identify a computer within a network.
• Note: Not used by computers for device identification as names are not always unique.