SMB Incorrectly Defined in Windows NT Resource Kit

ID: Q111954

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows NT Resource Kit for Windows NT and Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1

SYMPTOMS

The Windows NT Resource Guide, Volume 1 of the Windows NT Resource Kit, incorrectly defines the functionality of a Server Message Block (SMB) as it pertains to networking architecture. On page 583, it states:


   The redirector packages SMB requests meant for remote computers in a
   structure known as a Network Control Block (NCB). NCBs can be sent over
   the network to a remote device.

In actuality, NCBs are never sent over the wire. Rather, SMBs are transmitted over the physical media instead.

RESOLUTION

The NCB functions as an intermediary between the redirector and the protocol driver in Microsoft network architecture. Requests from the redirector sent down the network stack to the protocol driver must first be registered as NCB commands. Examples of NCB commands are ADD.NAME, CALL, RECEIVE, and SEND. Once the commands are registered in the NCB, the redirector calls the protocol driver and passes a pointer to the memory location of the NCB. The protocol driver can then act on the data contained in the SMBs according to the instructions contained in the NCB. The protocol driver then registers the results of the completed redirector requests in the appropriate NCB field and returns program control to the redirector.

The technical classification for an NCB is Interface Control Information, or ICI. Interface Control Information functions completely within the layered architecture of an individual protocol stack, and therefore this control information itself never passes across the physical media of the network. The SMB may be classified as a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) which ultimately is transmitted across the physical network connection from one station to another.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Windows NT Resource Kit. We are researching this problem and will post new information here as it becomes available.

Additional query words: CFE prodnt requestor buffer osi chain.send

Keywords : kbother kbbug3.10 ntdocerr ntreskit
Version : 3.1
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type :