WINS (Windows Internet Naming Service)

•        You only need to install WINS on a server to provide backward compatability for non-Win2K machines eg 95, 98, NT4

•        WINS clients register their NetBIOS name and IP address with the WINS server.

•        This registration expires at the TTL (Time To Live, default = 6 days) if it has not been renewed.

•        The registration is deleted when the client shuts down.

•        The WINS client caches resolved names in a local cache. (viewed by command nbtstat –c)

Hosts and LMHosts files

•        Both WINS and DNS can use files containing name to IP mapping information to aid the resolution process

•        WINS uses LMHosts files

•        DNS uses Hosts files

•        Examples of these files can be found at:
<systemdrive>:\winnt\system32\drivers\etc

WINS Client
That resolution process in full!

•               Check local NetBIOS cache for name-IP mapping

•               Ask WINS server

•               Local LAN broadcast

•               Check local LMHosts file

•               Check local Hosts file

•               Ask DNS server

•               Return failed message 

DNS Client
That resolution process in full!

•               Check if local host name.

•               Check local Hosts file

•               Ask DNS server

•               Check local NetBIOS cache

•               Ask WINS server

•               Local LAN broadcast

•               Check local LMHosts file

•               Return failed message

 

Last Updated 21 February, 2004

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