network basic input output system (IBM) (NetBIOS)
NetBIOS was introduced in 1984; around the same time, Microsoft developed the LAN software Microsoft Networks, MS-Net, which is also based on NetBIOS interface and protocols. Other LAN software, both from IBM and Microsoft, such as LAN Manager or LAN Server, has NetBIOS interfaces.
NetBIOS describes the interface between the DOS operating system and any transport system and fulfills the functions of OSI layers 3 to 5 without specifying the protocols of the layers individually.
NetBIOS extends the capabilities of the simple Basic Input/Output System( BIOS) by the ability to input and output data via network adapter card. Of course, there must be a connection to at least one foreign adapter card.
It is a protocol that enables communication between nodes on the LAN. NetBIOS offers two communication modes: the session mode and the datagram mode. In session mode, a session is established between two computers over which larger messages can be processed, with error detection and correction. The connectionless datagram mode supports some broadcast functions and offers the possibility of establishing virtual transport connections and managing symbolic names for end addresses. In this case, the application is responsible for maintaining the session.
The basis of NetBIOS is the Network Control Block( NCB). A NetBIOS request is transmitted as an NCB block in which the location of a message and its destination are specified.