Observed Versus Described Behavior of P-NODE Name Resolution

• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5, 3.51
• Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5, 3.51
• Microsoft LAN Manager, version 2.2c
• Microsoft TCP/IP-32 for Windows for Workgroups, versions 3.11, 3.11a, 3.11b

SUMMARY

When you use Network Monitor to determine Node type, you may come to an invalid conclusion, if the assumption is made that any P-NODE client will not issue a broadcast for NetBIOS name resolution. This also applies to H- NODE detection in some cases.

MORE INFORMATION

The following is an excerpt from a White Paper on TCP/IP implementation, TCPIPIMP.DOC, available for download from CIS or the Microsoft FTP server.

NodeType
Key: Netbt\Parameters
Value Type: REG_DWORD - Number
Valid Range: 1,2,4,8 (b-node, p-node, m-node, h-node)
Default: 1 or 8 based on the WINS server configuration

Description: This parameter determines what methods NetBT will use to
register and resolve names. A b-node system uses broadcasts. A p-node
system uses only point-to-point name queries to a name server (WINS). An m-
node system broadcasts first, then queries the name server. An h-node
system queries the name server first, then broadcasts. Resolution via
LMHOSTS and/or DNS, if enabled, will follow these methods. If this key is
present it will override the DhcpNodeType key. If neither key is present,
the system defaults to b-node if there are no WINS servers configured for
the client. The system defaults to h-node if there is at least one WINS
server configured.

The described behavior of the p-node client is correct unless the internet
group name associated with type 1C is returned from the WINS server or if a
LMHOSTS file has a 0 (zero) entry for broadcast. In these cases a single
broadcast will be observed from the client. This does not effect network
operation and causes no problems. A single broadcast from a client will not
adversely affect network operations.

This is expected behavior as an internet address of all zeros is used to
address the network as a whole. 

Additional query words:

Keywords : wfwg nttcp
Version : winnt:3.5,3.51; :2.2c,3.11,3.11a,3.11b
Platform : winnt
Issue type :