|
It is argued that network architectures should be designed with the explicit purpose of creating a coherent network operating system (NOS). The resulting NOS must be capable of efficient implementation as the base (native) operating system on a given machine or machines, or of being layered on top of existing operating systems as a guest system. The goals and elements of a network architecture to support a NOS are outlined. This architecture consists of a NOS model and three layers of protocol: an interprocess communication (IPC) layer, with an end--end protocol and lower sub-layer protocols as needed to support reliable uninterpreted logical-message communication; a service support layer (SSL), abstracting logical structures and needs common to most services, including naming, protection, request/reply structure, data-type translation, and session support; and a layer of standard services, (file, directory, terminal, process, clock, etc.). 6 figures.
|
