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NetBIOS Scheme and Pros and Cons
NetBIOS, Network Basic Input and Output System, is a networking system that is used for communication between different applications on the computers attached to a Local Area Network (LAN). Used in token ring and Ethernet networks, in case of Wide Area Networks (WANs), NetBIOS does not provide a routing mechanism to the applications present within the WAN because of which the application present on the computers attached to the WAN need to use some other transmission control protocol to ensure communication between the applications. NetBIOS is designed in such a way that it provides two modes of communication to the applications running on the networks. One of those modes is the session mode that establishes connection between computers for transmission of larger messages, whereas the second mode is the datagram mode that is designed for transmission of smaller messages (Rouse, 2017).
As compared to DNS, NetBIOS is easier to configure and manage. A feature of NetBIOS that makes it a suitable choice is that applications can work without knowing the network’s details. The destination name and message location are specified be the network control block for any NetBIOS request. NetBIOS works with the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model by providing the services of session and transport to the requests made by the applications. However, a drawback in this point is that NetBIOS is not programmed to provide the data format or a standard frame required for transmission.
Another feature of NetBIOS that advocates for its selection is that it enables connectionless communication between the applications using the user datagram protocol. Name resolution for neighboring computers does not require user configuration, which is another benefit of using NetBIOS. NetBIOS assigns specific names to each of the applications present on a LAN and the applications identify and communicate with each other using those NetBIOS names. The names are accessible to the applications over the user datagram protocol (Mitchell, 2017).
Low overhead is a major benefit associated with the use of NetBIOS. As compared to other protocol suites, there is low overhead for using NetBIOS. The least overhead is with the use of NetBIOS over NetBEUI. Another feature of NetBIOS that makes it a suitable choice is that it is considered safe when accessing the server because of not being routable directly and needs creation of a data-link switching tunnel.
As for the cons associated with the use of NetBIOS, the file system security on Domino servers is still considered a risk. The file and name services of NetBIOS make users able to access the file system of the server, which is a security risk. Thus, the recommendation of NetBIOS is almost nil for the high security areas. Similarly, NetBIOS has become a really old scheme/protocol with a very limited network support and can be used with LANs only. There is also lack of compatibility for NetBIOS with IPv6 networks. Moreover, it is impractical for use in large networks where each computer name has to be different from the other.
DNS Scheme and Pros and Cons
Doman Name System (DNS) is the hierarchical system of naming for computers. This system allows assigning important information along with the names of the computers attached to a network. DNS is used in translation of computer names into their particular binary addresses. Today, IP addresses are used all over the world to locate and identify computers. This service has become possible because of DNS. The service allows connection to the correct servers when a user types a URL into the browser. The request for any URL is first sent to the DNS server and then to the appropriate server associated with the requested URL.
DNS has multiple advantages that make it a first choice for any network administrator. One of the main advantages of using DNS is that users only need to remember the domain name. The IP addresses associated with the domain names is kept by the DNS and there is no headache for the users. Browsing and using the internet is only possible through the domain name service. Similarly, the system is very secure and reliable. This system allows dynamic security updates that keeps on enhancing the security of the network. Moreover, it is very fast and efficient and users do not need to wait to connect to their desired web addresses. Moreover, it also ensures automated correction of the typos.
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As for disadvantages, one disadvantage is that IP for a domain name can change when the host of the website changes the data warehouse. In such cases, DNS may provide the users with outdated information based on the previous IP address cache. Secondly, too much reliance on DNS is not reliable because the World Wide Web may crash in case the DNS breaks down due to any reason (Soffar, 2017). Moreover, DNS queries only carry the network address and lack information about the clients that ask for name resolution, which may be a security risk for using DNS.
- Mitchell, B. (2017). What Is NetBIOS?. Retrieved from https://www.lifewire.com/netbios-software-protocol-818229
- Rouse, M. (2017). NetBIOS (Network Basic Input and Output System). Retrieved from http://searchnetworking.techtarget.com/definition/NetBIOS
- Soffar, H. (2017). Domain Name System (DNS) uses, features, advantages and disadvantages. Retrieved from https://www.online-sciences.com/technology/domain-name-system-dns-uses-features-advantages-and-disadvantages/