Resolution overview

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 8 Beta

Resolution overview

WINS is used to resolve NetBIOS names, but in order for name resolution to be effective, clients need to be able to dynamically add, remove, or update their names in WINS. The following sections provide a functional description of each of these processes, specifically how names are registered, renewed, released, and resolved for clients on a WINS-based network.

This process of WINS client/server communications is outlined in the following graphic:

In a WINS system, all names are registered with a WINS server. The names are stored in a database on the WINS server which answers requests for name-to-IP address resolution based on the entries in this database.

Redundancy and load balancing are maintained with more than one WINS server in the network. Periodically, servers replicate their database entries among one another in order to maintain a consistent view of the NetBIOS namespace.

Each name has an entry in the database. It is owned by the WINS server it registered with and is a replica on all other WINS servers. Each entry has a state associated with it--the entry can be in the active, released, or extinct (also known as tombstone) state. Entries are also assigned a version ID. This number is used in the replication process and is discussed in more detail in WINS replication. For more information, see Push partners.

WINS also allows the registration of static names. This enables the administrator to register names for servers running operating systems that are not capable of dynamic name registration. WINS distinguishes between dynamic and static entries. Static names are treated somewhat differently than dynamic names. For more information, see Using static mappings.