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WINS
Microsoft Windows Internet Name Service (WINS) is a legacy name resolution service designed to map NetBIOS names to IP addresses within Windows-based networks. This enables devices running Windows to locate and communicate with each other using familiar computer names rather than numerical IP addresses, which is essential for older Windows networking protocols and compatibility with legacy systems..
WINS, or Windows Internet Name Service, is Microsoft's implementation of a NetBIOS Name Server (NBNS). It resolves NetBIOS computer names to IP addresses in a dynamic manner, facilitating communication and resource sharing across Windows networks. Unlike static hosts or LMHOSTS files, WINS supports automatic registration and renewal of name records, reducing administrative overhead.
WINS operates by client devices registering their NetBIOS names and IP addresses upon startup, when their IP changes, or periodically to maintain registration. Other devices resolve these names by querying the WINS server, which responds with the most recent IP associated with that NetBIOS name. Communication uses port 1512 for client-server interactions, supporting both TCP and UDP protocols to ensure reliable registration and resolution.
Although largely replaced by DNS in modern networks, WINS remains essential in environments running legacy Windows applications and protocols relying on NetBIOS. Its tight integration with Windows networking infrastructure facilitated its widespread deployment during the 1990s and early 2000s.