9.4 Network Software

Network software is specialized software that is focused on the needs of connecting, controlling, and running network devices. It is needed to make the network hardware perform the various network functions. Network software can be classified into three classes: driver software, network operating system software, and administration software.

Network Drivers

Software that is responsible for the running of hardware is commonly referred to as driver software. It is needed to control the hardware on the network and to provide various services on the network. Driver software is needed when a NIC is connected to a computer. The driver software allows the NIC to interact with the computer and the network based on the standard it was built on.

Network Operating System (NOS)

Like the computer operating system software, the network operating system software takes care of all the complex interactions that take place within a network and presents the network as a functional tool for the user. The NOS provides various services like, storage, security, backup, communication, and print services for the users on the network. 

Network Administration

The administration of a network becomes a complex task when the size of the network becomes large. To solve this problem software tools are used to facilitate the administration process. The administration software is usually a component of the network operating system and it makes it possible to manage and control the network.