FQDN versus Netbios name

[segil]

Hello everybody!

Just a question, not a problem:

We have a Windows 2003 domain with 2 DCs in mixed mode and Windows 2000/XP clients... normally all network connections are done with the use of netbios names, like logon names, mapping network drives, etc. Examples of what I mean:
Logon user name: "John Doe"
Network mapping: NET USE T: \\DC1\folder1
Printers: \\DC1\printer1
Logon using VPN: domainname\John Doe

etc..

Now my question.. is it better to start using the FQDN instead of netbios names? So:
logging on using John Doe@domainname.com,
Network mapping: NET USE T: \\DC1.domainname.com\folder1
etc, etc...

Does it matter which method we use? Maybe FQDNs are faster in use? What is your experience?

Thanks in advance!

Greets from the Netherlands

 

[InfrArch]

Hi,

Definitely it's better to "move" to DNS usage , - meaning to use FQDNs rather than NetBIOS. FQDN idea use "resolver" through TCP to query DNS server, but NetBIOS can use UDP as well as NetBIOS idea are Broadcasts which isn't good for your network. So, the conclusion is - use FQDNs. The one cons of this method - you have to watch over your DNS consistency and update it regulary to reflect the current situation in your network.

P.S. you can disable NetBIOS on all the W2k/XP hosts/servers in your network. 2 conditions must be before you can do it: DNS server "perfect" state + on DCs there NetBIOS MUST be enabled.

Victor K
MCSE+I;MCSE(w2k);CNE(5.1);CNE(6);CIWSP;CIWSA;Net+;CCNA;CCSE+