Microsoft Windows Internet Name Service (WINS) is an RFC-compliant NetBIOS name- to-IP-address mapping service. WINS allows Windows-based clients to easily locate resources on Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) networks. WINS servers maintain databases of static and dynamic resource name—to-IP-address mappings. Because the Microsoft WINS database supports dynamic name and IP address entries, WINS can be used with Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) services to provide easy configuration and administration of Windows-based TCP/IP networks.
The information in this chapter is intended for network administrators and support personnel who need information about WINS and how to plan, manage, and troubleshoot WINS services. The following topics are included in this chapter: