In Microsoft networking, what does Windows Internet Name Service (WINS) do, and what role does it play in NetBIOS name resolution on TCP/IP networks?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Resolves computer names to IP addresses

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Before widespread DNS-only environments, Windows networks frequently relied on NetBIOS names (for example, \SERVER). Windows Internet Name Service (WINS) provided a server-based, query/registration mechanism to map those NetBIOS names to IP addresses, reducing broadcast dependency and improving name-resolution reliability across routed networks.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Clients and servers use TCP/IP with NetBIOS over TCP/IP enabled.
  • WINS servers are reachable to handle dynamic registrations and lookups.
  • Goal is to resolve machine names to IP addresses without excessive broadcasts.


Concept / Approach:

WINS provides a centralized database for NetBIOS-name → IP-address mappings. Clients dynamically register their names and addresses with WINS, and other clients query WINS to resolve names. This reduces the need for NetBIOS broadcast name queries, especially across subnets where broadcasts would not traverse routers. DHCP handles IP address allocation; WINS is about name resolution, not addressing.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify function: map NetBIOS names to IP addresses.Separate roles: DHCP allocates addresses; WINS resolves names.Assess traffic: centralized queries reduce broadcast storms compared with pure broadcast name resolution.Select the option that states “resolves computer names to IP addresses.”


Verification / Alternative check:

Packet captures show NetBIOS Name Service (NBNS) unicast queries to WINS servers and registration packets on startup, confirming its resolver role rather than address assignment.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Dynamically allocates IPs: That is DHCP, not WINS.

Runs only on NT Workstation: WINS is a server service; historically installed on Windows NT Server.

Increases broadcast traffic: WINS reduces broadcast traffic by enabling unicast name resolution.

None of the above: Incorrect because one option is correct.


Common Pitfalls:

Conflating WINS with DNS or DHCP; assuming NetBIOS names are resolved via DNS without additional configuration.


Final Answer:

Resolves computer names to IP addresses

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