Siemens V4.0 manual Wins and Broadcast Name Resolution, Other Combinations

Implementing WINS Name Resolution Services

Other Combinations

Another variation, known as Microsoft modified b-node, is used in Advanced Server networks to allow messages to go across routers. The modified b-node does not use p-node mode or a WINS server. In this mode, b-node uses a list of computers and addresses stored in an LMHOSTS file. If a b-node attempt fails, the system looks in LMHOSTS to find a name and then uses the associated address to cross the router. On computers running Advanced Server, this variation corresponds to the Siemens modified b-nodewhere the mappings from a names.cfg file are used before or after the b-node attempt (section “The names.cfg file” ). However, each computer must have these files which creates an administrative burden in maintaining and distributing the files.

Both Windows for Workgroups 3.11 and LAN Manager 2.x use a modified b-node system. Windows NT as well as Advanced Server uses this method if WINS servers are not used on the network. In Windows NT, some extensions have been added to the LMHOSTS file to make it easier to manage but modified b-node is not an ideal solution.

Some sites may need to use both b-node and p-node modes at the same site. Although this configuration can work, administrators must exercise caution, using it only for transition situations. Because p-node hosts disregard broadcasts and b-node hosts rely on broad- casts for name resolution, the two hosts potentially can be configured with the same NetBIOS name, leading to unpredictable results. Notice that if a computer configured to use b-node has a static mapping in the WINS database, a computer configured to use p-node cannot use the same computer name.

10.1.2 WINS and Broadcast Name Resolution

WINS provides a distributed database for registering and querying dynamic computer name-to-IP address mappings in a routed network environment. WINS is designed to solve the problems that occur with name resolution in complex internetworks.

WINS reduces the use of local broadcasts for name resolution and allows users to locate systems easily on remote networks. Additionally, when dynamic addressing through DHCP results in new IP addresses for computers that move between subnets, the changes are updated automatically in the WINS database. Neither the user nor the network adminis- trator needs to make changes manually.

The following sections provides an overview of how name resolution is provided by WINS and name query broadcast messages.

Product Manual U7613-J-Z815-6-76