DNS and WINS

[workingassets]

The default advanced TCP/IP for WINS on servers and workstations is to use netbios over TCP/IP in broadcast mode. This causes a lot of broadcast traffic on my network.

I am running a Windows 2000 AD domain with DNS and DHCP on 2 domain controllers with XP and W2k clients. It was suggested that I install WINS on the DC's and then configure DHCP to run netbios in hybrid mode.


Why would you need to use WINS is you are using DNS? I have been searching around and can't find anything concrete evidence to support this. It all suggests that if your DNS servers are configured properly than you shouldn't need it.
I would like to reduce/eliminate my netbios traffic if possible.

Has anyone done this or have any experience with disabling netbios over TCP/IP. Disadvantages?

 

[aznluvsmc]

There is an option in DHCP to disable Netbios on all DHCP client computers.

WINS is only needed to support down-level clients. In a pure Windows 2000 domain, WINS wouldn't even be queried as clients will use DNS to resolve names.

Steven S.
MCSA
A+, Network+, Server+, i-Net+

 

[kmcferrin]

Question...which setting is this? Is it under the WINS/NBT node type? They have listed 0x1 B-node, 0x2 P-node, 0x4 M-Node, and 0x8 H-node. Most places with mixed environments used the 0x8 Hybrid setting. Which do we use if we don't want WINS at all?

 

[aznluvsmc]

I will have to check the DHCP server for the exact location. I can't think of it off the top of my head. Will let you know tonight.

Steven S.
MCSA
A+, Network+, Server+, i-Net+

 

[kmcferrin]

That's OK. Since you didn't have it off the top of your head, I did some digging on my own and found it. For anyone interested:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=313314

 

[aznluvsmc]

Yes, there you go. That's the easiest way to disable NetBIOS on all client computers.

Steven S.
MCSA
A+, Network+, Server+, i-Net+