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NetBIOS (Network Basic InputOutput

NetBIOS is a protocol developed by IBM for communication between computers on a local area network, providing services such as name resolution, session management, and datagram communication. It operates over TCP/IP in a system known as NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NBT) and is still used for compatibility with legacy systems, despite being largely replaced by modern protocols like DNS and SMB. Key limitations include a name length restriction and security vulnerabilities, making it less efficient for large networks.

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12 views

NetBIOS (Network Basic InputOutput

NetBIOS is a protocol developed by IBM for communication between computers on a local area network, providing services such as name resolution, session management, and datagram communication. It operates over TCP/IP in a system known as NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NBT) and is still used for compatibility with legacy systems, despite being largely replaced by modern protocols like DNS and SMB. Key limitations include a name length restriction and security vulnerabilities, making it less efficient for large networks.

Uploaded by

rbagda669
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as TXT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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NetBIOS (Network Basic Input/Output System) is a protocol that was originally

developed by IBM for communication between computers on a local area network (LAN).
It provides services related to the session layer of the OSI model and facilitates
communication between devices over a network.

NetBIOS allows applications on different computers to communicate with each other


within a network, primarily through three key services:

1. **Name Service (NetBIOS Name Resolution)**: It allows computers to register and


resolve their names within a local network. NetBIOS names are unique identifiers
assigned to each computer on the network.

2. **Session Service**: This service establishes and maintains connections between


two devices for the exchange of data. It ensures that data is transferred reliably
between the computers.

3. **Datagram Service**: This provides a connectionless communication service for


sending data between computers on the network. It doesn't require a connection to
be established before sending data.

NetBIOS is often used with TCP/IP in a system known as NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NBT).
It allows older systems or applications that use NetBIOS to function over modern
networks using TCP/IP.

While it has largely been replaced by more modern protocols like DNS (Domain Name
System) and SMB (Server Message Block), NetBIOS is still used in some environments,
especially when compatibility with legacy systems is necessary.

### Key Topics on **NetBIOS** (Network Basic Input/Output System)

1. **What is NetBIOS?**
- A protocol that allows communication between computers on a local area network
(LAN).
- Provides services like name resolution, session management, and datagram
communication.

2. **NetBIOS Services**:
- **Name Service**: Resolves NetBIOS names (e.g., "MYSERVER") to IP addresses.
- **Session Service**: Establishes a reliable, connection-oriented communication
between devices.
- **Datagram Service**: Provides connectionless communication for sending small,
one-way messages.

3. **NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NBT)**:


- Allows NetBIOS to operate over TCP/IP, making it suitable for modern networks.
- Enables compatibility with legacy applications using NetBIOS on networks that
rely on TCP/IP.

4. **Ports Used by NetBIOS**:


- **Port 137 (UDP)**: For Name Service (NBNS).
- **Port 138 (UDP)**: For Datagram Service.
- **Port 139 (TCP)**: For Session Service.

5. **NetBIOS in Windows**:
- Often associated with legacy Windows file-sharing (SMB), printer sharing, and
domain networking.
- Still supported in modern versions of Windows for compatibility with older
applications.
6. **Limitations of NetBIOS**:
- **Name Length**: NetBIOS names are limited to 15 characters.
- **Broadcasting**: Inefficient for large networks, as it relies on broadcasting
for name resolution.
- **Security**: Lacks modern security features, making it vulnerable to attacks.

7. **Modern Alternatives**:
- DNS for name resolution and SMB over TCP/IP for file sharing have largely
replaced NetBIOS in modern networks.

8. **NetBIOS Name Resolution Methods**:


- **WINS**: A Microsoft service for centralized NetBIOS name resolution.
- **LMHOSTS**: A static file used for name resolution.
- **Broadcasting**: A method of resolving names on local networks by
broadcasting queries.

NetBIOS is still relevant in legacy systems and certain network configurations, but
modern alternatives like DNS and SMB have largely replaced it in contemporary
networks.

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