Browser Definition - Bay Networks Remote Annex User Manual

Browser Definition
Appendix A Browsing for Resources
B
rowsing is locating network resources in a Domain or workgroup.
Domains and workgroups are Microsoft's logical grouping of computers
and other resources into managed groups. Browsing is implemented by
accessing Browsers, which are computers that maintain resource lists for
the Domain, rather than trying to directly locate the resource. Therefore
locating a resource becomes a question of locating a Browser. This
location process becomes a problem in subnetted TCP/IP networks
because the location process utilizes UDP broadcasts which are generally
not passed through routers between subnets. IPX is not a problem because
the datagram location mechanisms used are not generally blocked by
routers. However, in mixed protocol environments, the browser will use
TCP/IP. This discussion assumes a TCP/IP only network. Some points
of location and discovery of Browsers are different for other protocols.
Microsoft now provides a Windows Internet Naming Service
(WINS) for the Windows NT
the problems with locating Browsers.
This discussion assumes that WINS is not available. The WINS solution
is outlined at the end of the document.
Browsers are distributed on the network based on the domain, subnet,
and number of workstations. The Browsers are assigned through a
weighted election process that allows replacement of Browsers when they
fail or are shutdown. This can make Browsers difficult to locate because
they may not always be on the same machine.
Remote Annex Server Tools for Windows NT
on a Microsoft Network
®
server that eliminates many of
®
User Guide
A-1