NetBIOS

NetBIOS is neither merely a protocol nor a topology; it is an API which makes assumptions about both. Communication endpoints are addressed by 16-byte strings ("NetBIOS Names"). A machine can support multiple names, though it typically registers a primary "Machine Name/Workstation Name" upon joining the network.

NetBIOS LAN Emulation

Defined in RFC 1001 and RFC 1002, NBT/NetBT/TCPBEUI implements NetBIOS over TCP/UDP.

Mandatory Elements

• Name Service: map NetBIOS names to network layer (IPv4/IPv6) addresses
• Datagram Service: delivery of NetBIOS datagrams over UDP
• Session Service: establishment and maintenance of circuits over TCP

See Also

• "Implementing CIFS" from the Samba team