Last Updated on July 20, 2023 by Mayank Dham
The Layered Architecture of Operating System is an operating system architecture that divides software components into layers, with hardware at the bottom of each layer. Each layer of the operating system is responsible for certain functions. The layered structure approach divides the operating system into layers and gives the user much more control over the system. The hardware is on the bottom layer (layer 0), and the user interface is on the top layer (layer N). These layers are designed in such a way that each layer only uses the functions of the lower-level layers. It makes debugging easier if lower-level layers are debugged and an error occurs while debugging. Because the lower-level layers have already been debugged, the error must be on that layer only.
Origin of Operating System Layers
The idea of designing a layered structure of operating system came to Djikstra and Powell where it was suggested that an operating system can be divided into different layers to increase modularity, and easy to maintain and debug-friendly system.
The operating system layers came into existence by MULTICS, an operating system developed around the early 1970s when the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Bell Labs and GE started collaborating on its development. MULTICS was the first of many that were about to launch in the following decades.
The layered approach in os will help into different parts and help in debugging. Taking an instance on debugging in general when an error is encountered, the error remains the same layer as all the underlying layers are already debugged and each layer can be separately debugged or tested without interference from other layers.
Different types of Layers in Layered Operating Systems
Layered Operating Systems are designed in such a manner that layers below a layer provide the service and the layers above are those that consume the service. This practice is used in software engineering to create applications that are modular, scalable and easy to maintain. Below is an illustration to help us understand the many layers that are fixed to the kernel. The layers sandwiched between the first and last layer are responsible for system services and management such as CPU scheduling, memory management, process management and I/O Management.
As discussed, the operating system consists of n layers where each layer has its own set of functions as its contributes to the proper functioning of the operating system. The certain rules to be followed in this architecture are:
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The outermost layer needs where the user is able to interact with the operating system or user interface.
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The lowermost layer is hardware which consists of all the components of the device working in integration with the software.
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A certain layer is allowed to access all the layers below it but it not can access the layer above itself in the layered structure of operating system.
For example: If the layer is n, then all the layers from 0 to n-1 will be accessible but the n+1 or any further layer above it cannot be accessed from the current layer.
Architecture of Different Layers of Operating Systems
As we have some foundational knowledge of the layered structure of operating system, now we will be discussing each of the layers in detail as given in the ordered way below:-
Layer 1 – Hardware
This layer interacts with the internal components and works in partnership with devices such as monitors, speakers, webcam etc. It is regarded as the most autonomous layer in the layered structure of operating system.
Layer 2 – CPU Scheduling
CPU Scheduling is responsible to schedule the process that is yet to be run by the CPU. Processes lie in Job Queue when they are about to be executed by the CPU and remain in the Ready Queue when they are in memory and ready to be executed. Although there are multiple queues used for scheduling, the CPU Scheduler decides the process that will execute and the others that will wait.
Layer 3 – Memory Management
One of the layers in the middlemost region of the layered structure of operating system is responsible for allocating and deallocating memory to processes, here processes move to the main memory during execution and return back once they are run successfully, and the memory is freed. RAM and ROM are primarily the most popular examples.
Layer 4 – Process Management
The layer decides which process will be executed by giving them the CPU and which will be waiting in the queue. The decision-making is performed with the help of scheduling algorithms like Shortest Job First, First Come First Serve, Shortest Remaining Time First, Priority Scheduling etc.
Layer 5 – I/O Buffer
This is the second layer from the top that is responsible for the interactivity of the user as input devices like the mouse, keyboard, and microphone are the source if communication between the computer and the user. Each device is assigned a buffer to avoid slow processing input by the user.
Layer 6 – User Application
This is the uppermost layer that gives the user easy and user-friendly access to the application to solve a real-world problem, play music or surf the internet etc.. It is also known as the Application Layer.
Advantages of Layered Operating System
Having seen the different layers of the architecture of the Layered Operating System, let us have a look at the advantages:-
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Abstraction
A layer is not concerned with the functioning of other layers in the structure which makes it suitable for debugging practices. -
Modularity
The operating system is divided into several units and each unit performs its task efficiently. -
Better Maintenance
Any updates or modifications made will restrict to the current layer and not impact the other layers in any manner. -
Debugging
Debugging can be performed well with the layer that is debugged will be corrected as the layers existing below are already functioning properly as a comparison to unreliable monolithic systems.
Disadvantages of Layered Operating System
However, there are certain drawbacks attached to the layered operating systems as well that can be justified as:-
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Lack of communication
As there is always a lack of communication between the non-neighbouring layers of the operating system, it can be problematic at times. -
Functionality
When the functionalities are interconnected, they cannot be separated from each other and in this case, layers are difficult to create. -
Slow processing
The layers are responsible for any request erupting and to reach another layer is a tedious and time-taking process, unlike monolithic kernels. More the number of layers, the lesser the efficiency. -
Complex Design
Layered Structure of Operating System has a complex design that must be carefully implemented as the services that are being used by a layer must be kept below that layer.
Applications of Layered Operating System
A layered operating system, also known as a layered software architecture, is a method of designing operating systems that divides functionality into distinct layers. Each layer provides services to the layer above it while also utilizing services from the layer beneath it. This modular design has several advantages, which make it widely used in a variety of applications. A layered operating system can be used for a variety of purposes, including:
1. Modularity and Maintainability: The layered structure allows developers to isolate different components of the operating system, making it easier to maintain and update individual layers without affecting the entire system. This modularity simplifies debugging, enhancements, and modifications.
2. Portability: The separation of concerns in the layered approach allows for easier porting of the operating system to different hardware architectures or platforms. As long as the hardware-dependent layer is adapted for the target platform, the higher layers can remain unchanged.
3. Extensibility: The layered design allows developers to add new features or functionality by introducing new layers or modifying existing ones. This extensibility enhances the capabilities of the operating system without disrupting the existing layers.
4. Security: A well-designed layered OS can improve security by isolating critical components from potential threats. For example, the kernel layer can be protected and isolated from user-level applications, reducing the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive parts of the system.
5. Scalability: Layered operating systems can be scaled effectively to handle a wide range of tasks, from simple embedded systems to complex server environments. Each layer can be optimized for its specific role, leading to better performance and resource utilization.
Overall, the layered operating system approach provides a flexible and structured way to build robust and efficient operating systems suitable for a wide range of applications. The layering concept has been a fundamental principle in operating system design and has contributed to the evolution of modern computing systems.
Conclusion
In this article, we studied what is a layered structure of operating system as we started with the origin and moved on to the design and architecture, discussed each component of it and winded up with the pros, cons and applications of the layered structure of operating system. We hope you liked this article and expect to see you again at PrepBytes with another informative article from our side soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the frequently asked questions on layered structure of Operating System
1. What is a Layered Operating System?
A Layered Operating System is a type of operating system that is divided into multiple layers of abstraction. Each layer provides a set of services to the layer above it, which builds on those services to provide more complex functionality. The layers are typically arranged in a hierarchical fashion, with the lowest layers providing basic hardware access and the highest layers providing application-level services.
2. What are the benefits of using a Layered Operating System?
One of the primary benefits of a Layered Operating System is that it allows for modular design and better organization of code. It also makes it easier to maintain and update the system, since changes to one layer can be made without affecting other layers. Additionally, layered architectures can provide greater security, since access to lower layers can be restricted, and higher layers can be isolated from the underlying hardware.
3. What are the disadvantages of using a Layered Operating System?
One of the main disadvantages of a Layered Operating System is that it can be more complex and potentially slower than a monolithic operating system. This is because data has to pass through multiple layers before it can be processed, and each layer adds a certain amount of overhead. Additionally, a layered architecture may require more memory and processing power to maintain.
4. How is a Layered Operating System different from a Microkernel Operating System?
A Layered Operating System is similar to a Microkernel Operating System in that they both separate functionality into different layers. However, a Microkernel Operating System takes the concept a step further by moving more functionality out of the kernel and into user space, which can make it easier to update and maintain the system. In contrast, a Layered Operating System typically keeps more functionality in the kernel.
5. What examples are there of Layered Operating Systems?
There are many examples of Layered Operating Systems, including UNIX, Linux, and the Windows NT family of operating systems (including Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10). Each of these operating systems has a layered architecture, with different layers providing services to higher layers. However, the exact architecture and number of layers can vary depending on the specific operating system.