1. Chapter 8 Simple Network Operations

2. Contents Network Operating Systems Software Components of Networking
Installing a Network Operating System
Configuring Network Services
Network Applications
Guide to Networking Essentials, Fifth Edition

3. 1. Network Operating Systems
Network operating system (NOS): OS with functions that facilitate network communication, allow computer resources sharing on a network, and provide access control to those resources
Interface for users and applications to access the network and its resources
Introduced during the mid-1980s
Handle standalone computer activities as well as communication over the network
E.g., Novell NetWare, Windows Server 2000/2003, UNIX, and Linux
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4. Basic Functions of an Operating System
OS coordinates interaction between software applications and computer hardware
Most applications are written so that they can be used only with a particular OS family
Two features necessary in a NOS
Multitasking: capability to support numerous processes at one time
Time slicing occurs when the CPU’s computing cycles are divided between more than one task
Human inability to distinguish instances of this brief time period creates the illusion of multitasking
Every contemporary OS includes these functions
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5. Two types of multitasking
Preemptive multitasking
Cooperative multitasking
A true high-performance NOS must be a preemptive multitasking system
All contemporary operating systems are designed to use preemptive multitasking
OSs include many NOS features
Some of these features are still reserved for OSs designed to be installed on a server computer
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6. 2. Software Components of Networking
2.1. Naming Services
2.2. Directory Services
2.3. Client Network Software
2.4. Server Network Software
2.5. Client and Server Capabilities
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7. NOS manages computer’s activities and provides a network environment
Organizes hardware into an interactive whole
Coordinates/controls functions of machines/peripherals
Supports security and privacy (network and users)
Controls access to resources (user authentication)
Advertises/manages resources (centralized directory)
Provide access to shared resources
NOS components: naming services, directory services, and client and server software
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8. 2.1. Naming Services
On most networks, a name is necessary to identify and access resources of all kinds
Humans recognize symbolic names more easily than numeric names
Naming services translate symbolic names into corresponding network addresses
This chapter explains the relationship between how Microsoft uses NetBIOS names and how the TCP/IP-based Domain Name System uses domain names
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9. 2.1.1. NetBIOS Names Names can be no longer than 15 characters
Ending a name with $ prevents it from appearing in the NetBIOS browse list
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11. 2.1.2. Universal Naming Convention
Drive mapping: process of associating a network storage resource with a local drive letter
Windows and Linux (running Samba) OSs and most other modern NOSs recognize Universal Naming Convention (UNC) paths, a standard method for specifying network resources
\\servername\sharename
In UNC-aware applications and many command-line activities, a UNC path can be used instead of a drive letter to access a network resource
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12. Domain Names and DNS
DNS translates symbolic domain names into numeric IP addresses
Permits users to access resources and services by using symbolic domain names on the Internet
DNS server maintains a DB of computer name and IP address pairs
At least one DNS server is maintained for a domain
Domain: named logical grouping of network resources
E.g., course.com
When a network request for is made, the request is sent to the DNS server responsible for the course.com domain
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13. 2.2. Directory Services
Directory service: manages information about network services, resources, users, groups, and objects so that users can access resources and services by browsing or asking for them by type
Manages and controls access to network resources
Access control (stores info and performs checks)
E.g., Windows’ Active Directory, Novell’s eDirectory
Uses “tree and forest” metaphor to organize contents
Patterned after X.500 directory service
LDAP is far easier to implement
Most Linux versions include NIS
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14. 2.3. Client Network Software
Client network SW: part of NOS installed on PCs that access network services or network resources
Most important component is a redirector
SW component operating at the OSI model’s layer 6 that is found on both client and server NOSs
Hides from users the complicated tasks involved in accessing network resources
Designator: aids in network resource interaction
Keeps track of the drive letters assigned locally to remote or shared drives
A shared drive is known as a share
Client SW can refer to Internet access applications
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15. 2.4. Server Network Software
Server SW can restrict access to resources by using access controls
Also: user/group management, logon authentication, network administration, fault tolerance
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17. 2.5. Client and Server Capabilities
Many NOSs (e.g., Windows Server 2003, XP, Vista) include client and server capabilities in both the server and desktop versions
Generally, the desktop version of the NOS is not as powerful or robust as the server version
Novell NetWare is strictly a server NOS, so there’s no desktop version of NetWare
In Linux, the choice between a desktop or server installation is usually made during installation
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18. 3. Installing a Network Operating System
3.1. Installation Preparation
3.2. Installing Microsoft Windows Servers
3.3. Installing Novell NetWare 6.5
3.4. Installing Linux
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19. Installing an NOS is not much different than installing a standard desktop OS
Requires only a few additional steps focused on configuring the network and the server services
Before installation of an NOS can begin, however, you must complete a few preparatory steps
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20. 3.1. Installation Preparation
Before you begin an NOS installation, you need to understand the following network aspects:
Size of the network
Job requirements of the server
Organization of storage devices
File systems to be used
Identification or naming convention
Network adapter configuration
Protocol selection
Hardware compatibility
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21. Size of the Network
The size of a network can affect which services you decide to configure, how many servers you need, and the number of connection licenses you require
A small LAN with fewer than 10 users who require only file and printer sharing can probably function fine with a peer-to-peer network
Windows XP or Vista could serve as the OS
With more users or more advanced networking service requirements, a dedicated server with an NOS designed for servers is definitely in order
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22. 3.1.2. Server Job Requirements
The services and resources hosted by a server determine what components are installed
E.g., DNS, DHCP, Web services, remote access, etc.
Other server responsibilities
Domain controller: authenticates users and maintains directory services and the security DB for a domain
For fault tolerance, install at least two per domain
Member server: hosts a service or resource and doesn’t maintain the directory and security DB
In NetWare, use existing tree or create new one
In Linux, decide individual services to install
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23. 3.1.3. Storage Device Organization
Crucial to network’s success when accessibility, performance, and fault tolerance are essential
Partition: logical organization of disk space; each partition appears as a separate logical drive
Ways to organize NOS host drive
Multiple-boot: good for testing; not good for security
Single-partition, single-NOS: most secure
Multiple-partition, single-NOS: useful for separating data from OS files; increases drive activity
Fault-tolerant storage: e.g., disk mirroring, RAID
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24. File Systems
File system: method used to store, organize, and manage access to files on a mass storage device
File systems differ in how they allocate space, how files are located on disk, the level of fault tolerance, and how access to files is secured
Fault-tolerant features include backup copies of FAT, journaling
Folder- and/or file- level security are important
E.g., as provided by NTFS or ext3
It’s best to use the most secure file system available for the OS you’re installing
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25. 3.1.5. Naming Conventions Naming convention: method of creating names
Should have scheme for user accounts, computers, directories, network shares, printers, and servers
Common naming schemes
Construct user names from the user’s first and last names, plus a code identifying job title or department
Construct group names from resource types, department names, location names, project names
Construct computer names for servers and clients from their department, location, and an ID number
Must be consistent, easy to use and understand, and must enable clear object identification
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26. 3.1.6. Network Adapter Configuration
The NIC is the primary communication device between a computer and the rest of the network
A computer purchased as a server already has an NIC installed
Must verify manufacturer and model number to ensure compatibility and update device drivers as necessary
Most NICs are plug-and-play-compatible with the OS, so NIC configuration isn’t usually necessary
Verify compatibility with the OS version you are using, and have a driver disk ready in case the OS doesn’t recognize the NIC
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27. Protocol Selection
Protocol and configuration options must be compatible for computers to communicate
For example, TCP/IP requires the following pieces of information before NOS installation begins:
IP address
Subnet mask
Default gateway
DNS
WINS
DHCP
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28. 3.1.8. Hardware Compatibility
HW components of the computer on which it’s installed must be compatible with the NOS
If you use incompatible hardware, the vendor might not provide technical support
Double-check that your computer’s HW components are fully compatible with the NOS
Microsoft publishes the Windows Catalog
Formerly called the Hardware Compatibility List (HCL)
Linux distributors publish a similar list for the various Linux versions
Novell typically certifies whole systems as NetWare compatible
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29. 2.3. Installing Microsoft Windows Servers
Windows server versions are not much more difficult to install than Windows XP or Vista
With the proper preparation, the Setup Wizard makes the installation process as simple as entering a few key data items
The major steps or sections of the installation included here give you insight into the architecture and simplicity of the Windows server line of operating systems
Guide to Networking Essentials, Fifth Edition

30. 3.2.1. Beginning the Installation
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31. Text-Based Phase
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32. GUI Phase
In the GUI phase, you use a mouse or keyboard to enter items or make selections
You define computer and domain names, enter the identification key from installation CD, select the server type (domain controller or member server), assign a password to Administrator account, select environment and desktop components
Setup copies some files from the temporary folder to the destination folder and then moves into the network setup phase
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33. Network Setup Phase
You install drivers for the NIC, select and configure protocols, and review bindings
Upon completion, files are copied to the system folder and temporary folder is deleted
Next, you define time zone and display settings
Then, the computer restarts, the Administrator logs on, and the Configure Server Wizard starts
Allows the server to be configured as a domain controller, member server, or standalone server
If server is to act as a domain controller, Active Directory is installed and configured
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34. 3.3. Installing Novell NetWare 6.5
Install NetWare by using one of two methods
Over the network
From a CD
The primary install utility is INSTALL.NLM
Two phases
Text mode
Create partitions, accept license agreement, copy files, install storage device drivers, and select NIC drivers
GUI mode
Assign server name, set up protocols, and install eDirectory
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35. 3.4. Installing Linux
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38. 4. Configuring Network Services
4.1. Installing, Removing, and Configuring Network Services
4.2. Network Bindings
4.3. Network Printing
4.4. File Shares
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39. Network services, the basic resources on all networks, are the foundation of network applications
The two most basic shared network resources (network services) are printers and file folders
You can add numerous capabilities, resources, and delivery methods to a default NOS installation
Groupware applications, packages, shared whiteboard applications, Web servers, etc.
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40. 4.1. Installing, Removing, and Configuring Network Services
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41. 4.2. Network Bindings
Binding: process of linking network components from various levels of the network architecture to enable communication between those components
Associate upper-layer services and protocols to lower-layer network adapter drivers
Many NOSs enable all valid bindings by default
Often results in some performance degradation
Binding order should enhance the computer’s use of the network
Bind the most frequently used protocol, service, or adapter first to speed network connections
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42. 4.3. Network Printing It is one of the two essential network services
Redirector intercepts print requests and forwards them to the right print servers or network printers
Three components: the print server, the print queue, and the printer
First, installing a printer on a server or as a direct network-connected device
Next, share printer’s logical representation in NOS
Print queue is a storage location that accepts print jobs from network clients and stores the print job until the printer is available to print it
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44. Printer Management
On most networks, you manage printers from local direct access or through the network printer share
Sometimes you may use a Web browser (e.g., IPP)
Must have right level of access granted to user
Printer management covers wide range of activities
Granting and restricting user access to printers
Monitoring the print queue for proper functioning
Limiting access (time frame, department, or priority)
Updating local and remote printer drivers
Maintaining printers
Managing printers remotely
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45. Sharing Fax Modems
This feature is not often a default component in an NOS; many third-party vendors offer add-on products to share a fax modem over a network
With these add-on products, clients can fax documents from the desktop
You can manage and administer fax shares just like printer shares
Usually, additional client-installed software is needed to connect to a fax share
After drivers are installed, there’s no major difference between using a printer share and a fax share
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46. 4.4. File Shares
Guide to Networking Essentials, Fifth Edition

47. 5. Network Applications
5.1. or Messaging 5.2. Scheduling or Calendaring 5.3. Groupware
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48. Network applications: designed for multiple simultaneous users on computers on a network
Three types of essential network applications: messaging, scheduling, and groupware
Pros
Much easier to administer (e.g., on large networks)
Save money
Cons
Poor network performance degrades performance
If network is down, application is often unusable
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49. At least three types of architectures for network applications
Centralized
File-system sharing
True client/server
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50. 5.1. E-Mail or Messaging Most popular network application
is fast and asynchronous
Based on a common protocol and standards for communication
Post Office Protocol version 3 (POP3)
Simple Mail Transport Protocol (SMTP)
Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP)
X.400
X.500
Message Handling System (MHS)
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51. 5.2. Scheduling or Calendaring
A network scheduler is an electronic form of an appointment book and to-do lists
Most offer private and public calendars, appointment books, task lists, and contact/address books
They can also notify about upcoming meetings, warn about overlapped schedules, and offer reminders of special events or the need to contact someone
Most offer integration into programs and office-productivity suites
To supplement or replace a paper-based personal information manager, schedules can be printed
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52. 5.3. Groupware
Groupware enables multiple users to interact with a single file, document, or project
E.g., an entire department can contribute to a document’s production and watch as the groupware combines everyone’s input into a single document
Examples: multiuser multimedia authoring tools, Lotus Notes, Novell Virtual Office, and HP’s TeamLinks
Some make it possible to collaborate across the Internet
The biggest explosion in groupware products is integrating PDAs with corporate networks
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53. Summary
Network operating system (NOS): controls the operations of a computer, including local hardware activity as well as communication over network media
Enables sharing resources, managing peripherals, maintaining security, and controlling user access
Client network software on workstations allows users to take advantage of network resources
Doesn’t always mean redirectors and designators
Server network software is designed to host resources so that multiple clients can access them
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54. Installing an NOS is similar to installing any OS
Issues you must be aware of include size of the network, job requirements of the server, storage device organization, naming conventions, NIC and protocol selection and configuration, and hardware compatibility
The steps for installing Windows Server 2000/2003, Novell NetWare, and Linux are similar
Two fundamental network services: sharing printers and sharing files
Some standalone applications have been revised to function as cross-network applications
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