A network basic input/output system (NetBIOS) is a program which extends a computer's operating system, adding on networking services. NetBIOS was developed for IBM PCs and was adopted by Microsoft for its network systems.

FunctionNetBIOS handles connections for computers connected to local area networks (LANs). It offers two forms of communication: a connection-oriented session mode and a connectionless datagram mode. The session mode creates a bond between two computers for the duration of the "conversation." This enables error checking and data packet sequencing. The datagram mode sends each data packet independently and includes no error checking facilities.FeaturesNetBIOS abstracts the underlying network. It is designed to operate over several different networking systems, such internetwork packet exchange (IPX) or transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP).ConsiderationsNetBIOS has its own naming conventions. Each node in the network is addressed by a name, meaningful to users, which is unique on the network. NetBIOS does not provide any routing functions. It is more commonly implemented over TCP/IP, each node on the network must have a NetBIOS name and an internet protocol (IP) address. References Tech Target: NetBIOS Webopedia: NetBIOS Microsoft Support: NetBIOS over TCP/IP Name Resolution and WINS

• What Are NetBIOS Protocols? [11/03/2010 19:48:02]