On Microsoft networks, which local file is specifically used to resolve NetBIOS names to IP addresses for NetBIOS name resolution on a host?

Introduction / Context:
Name resolution on TCP/IP hosts can involve multiple databases and protocols. While the HOSTS file maps DNS hostnames to IP addresses, classic Windows networking also used NetBIOS names. A different local file supported static mappings for those NetBIOS names.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are resolving NetBIOS names (not DNS hostnames).
• Local, file-based resolution is in scope.
• Operating context is classic Windows/NetBIOS over TCP/IP.

Concept / Approach:
The LMHOSTS file provides static mappings of NetBIOS names to IP addresses for NetBIOS name resolution. By contrast, the HOSTS file maps DNS hostnames. ARP is a protocol used to resolve IP addresses to MAC addresses on a LAN, and FQDN is a DNS concept (fully qualified domain name), not a file.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the namespace: NetBIOS names.Select the file that maps NetBIOS name → IP: LMHOSTS.Exclude HOSTS (DNS), ARP (IP→MAC protocol), and FQDN (DNS term).

Verification / Alternative check:
Administrators historically edited LMHOSTS to work around WINS/DNS issues for NetBIOS name resolution, especially in small networks without WINS.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
HOSTS: Used for DNS hostname mappings, not NetBIOS.

ARP: Dynamic protocol, not a file or NetBIOS resolver.

FQDN: A DNS naming construct; not a file.

None of the above: Incorrect because LMHOSTS is correct.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming HOSTS also covers NetBIOS; in classic stacks, LMHOSTS was separate for NetBIOS while HOSTS supported DNS.

Final Answer:
LMHOSTS