Browser information not being sent to the Domain Master Browser

We are useing Cisco 3500 switches with fiber backbone.

They are setup as VLan subnets.

All of the browser information, in some of the subnets, are not being
sent to the Domain Master Browser.

If I physicaly go to the subnet and look at the network I can see all
the missing computers in that subnet.This means that the master
browser for that subnet is working.

I can see all the computers in the WINS server database. This means
that the netbios information is being sent to the WINS server.

Is there some kind of command that has to be put into the cisco IOS to
pass the browser information from the master browser in the subnet to
the Domain Master Browser?

Does anyone else have any idea what might be causing this and how to
fix it?

Russell Stamper

(Russell Stamper) wrote
> They are setup as VLan subnets.
>
> All of the browser information, in some of the subnets, are not being
> sent to the Domain Master Browser.
>
> If I physicaly go to the subnet and look at the network I can see all
> the missing computers in that subnet.This means that the master
> browser for that subnet is working.
>
> I can see all the computers in the WINS server database. This means
> that the netbios information is being sent to the WINS server.
>
> Does anyone else have any idea what might be causing this and how to
> fix it?

You need to understand Windows name resolution.
I have never met anyone who does, and I don't either.

There are several methods used:-

DNS - W2k and later
Wins - a bit before than
Browsers [broadcasts with added bits] - even earlier
Pure broadcasts - Mark one method

Wins and Master browsers belong in different systems, though
they may be able to interact. I don't know.

Unless you have really old kit or (W2k or later) the thing to do
is probably;

Configure a Wins server (or two).
Use DHCP, include the adderss of your wins server (or two).
Done.

Plan B.
Use LM hosts file on each workstation to point to your (few?)
servers. Hmmm what about printers.

Plan C
Get rid of the subnets - poof she goes - good old Bill.

Plan D use IPX.

AnyBody43