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Free Image Format ConversionHave you ever encountered Wi-Fi connectivity issues on Windows? Did your network speed slow down after a Windows update? Have you ever tried to figure out what WINS is? When routers show high traffic and name resolution slows down, suggestions pop up to check the WINS server, piquing many people's curiosity about WINS. The [Windows Internet Name Service](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Internet_Name_Service) (WINS) is a service in Microsoft Windows that essentially registers computers' NetBIOS names on a Local Area Network (LAN).
NetBIOS (Network Basic Input/Output System) is a communication service that enables different computers to interact over a local area network. It starts functioning after a NetBIOS name is mapped to an IP address on a WINS server through a name registration process. The WINS system consists of two components: the WINS server and TCP/IP client software. The WINS server is responsible for managing the central Jet database, replication, and client registration. The TCP/IP client software handles querying the name server.
Certain Wi-Fi connectivity issues on Windows might be due to a NetBIOS name resolution problem in your router connection. In a routed network that uses NetBIOS, WINS is the best solution to address such problems.
What is the difference between a WINS server and a DNS server?
The difference between a WINS server and a DNS server might be very subtle, which can be confusing for some users. However, they perform very different tasks. Hence, it's crucial to understand the difference between them.
| WINS Server | DNS Server |
|---|---|
| 1. WINS stands for Windows Internet Name Service, a Microsoft Windows service that registers NetBIOS names on a local area network. | 1. DNS stands for Domain Name System, which maps domain names to IP addresses on the internet. |
| 2. In older versions prior to Windows NT 4.0, NetBIOS only functioned under the NetBEUI protocol. WINS was crucial for resolving name resolution issues within the NetBEUI protocol. | 2. Microsoft modified NetBIOS to work with the TCP/IP stack instead of the NetBEUI transport protocol. As a result, DNS servers now handle NetBIOS name requests. Consequently, DNS has superseded WINS in current Windows servers. |
| 3. For instance, if you enter the command "Net use * \tree mainshare," it uses WINS to register the NetBIOS name "tree" to the local network. Hence, WINS registers NetBIOS names as IP addresses. | 3. For example, if you type the command "Ping Tree.space.net," it uses DNS to translate Tree.space.net into an IP address. Thus, DNS registers TCP/IP hostnames as IP addresses. |
How do I find my WINS server?
For those not versed in the knowledge required to perform complex steps, locating a WINS server can be a daunting task. Therefore, you must pay close attention when seeking out a WINS server.
First, to configure the WINS server, you will need to know your Windows system's IP address. To find it, follow these steps:
Step 1: Click Start > Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center, and then click your wireless connection.
Step 2: Under "Properties," click "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). Your IP address will appear on the screen.
To locate your WINS server, follow these steps:
Step 1: From Server Manager, Add Roles and Features Wizard, Features, WINS Server
Step 2: Click on "WINS Server" > Add Features > Next > Install.
Step 3: After installation, find your IP address using the same process, then click “Advanced.”
Step 4: Click on “WINS” > “Add” > type in your IP address > “Add” > “OK”.
Step 5: Next, choose “Command Prompt” > “Run as administrator” and enter the command nbtstat -RR > Restart. This will activate the WINS server on Windows.
Do You Still Need a WINS Server?
WINS servers have been around since the birth of Windows. Starting with Windows NT 4.0, all Windows servers came with WINS preinstalled, an indication of its importance.
If you are running Windows NT 4.0 or an earlier version of Windows Server, you need WINS. However, you can disable the WINS server on Windows Server releases after Windows NT 4.0. All you have to do is identify the servers that replicate with WINS, and then disable all WINS servers in your network.
But that would be a large incentive, and one that would require some hard work. So the best bet is probably to run a WINS server on Windows.
Last Words
Since the release of Windows systems, WINS has been an essential component of Windows servers. By having a WINS server, you can speed up name resolution on your network. Additionally, it requires much less time and resources compared to other servers, which is a significant advantage. However, over time, the importance of WINS servers has been largely supplanted by DNS servers. That being said, if used appropriately, it can still play a crucial role in your network.