Which protocol is primarily associated with name resolution for NetBIOS?

The correct answer is WINS, which stands for Windows Internet Name Service. This protocol is specifically designed for resolving NetBIOS names to IP addresses in a networked environment. NetBIOS is a networking protocol that allows applications on different computers to communicate within a local area network (LAN).

WINS functions as a name server that maintains a mapping of NetBIOS names to IP addresses, enabling seamless communication between devices that may not have a static IP address. This is particularly important in environments where devices frequently join and leave the network, or where dynamic IP addressing is employed.

In contrast, DNS (Domain Name System) is used primarily for resolving domain names to IP addresses on the Internet and is not specifically tailored for NetBIOS names. DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is responsible for assigning IP addresses to devices on a network but does not handle name resolution directly. ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) is used for mapping IP addresses to MAC addresses within a local network, and it also does not facilitate NetBIOS name resolution.

By using WINS, organizations can efficiently manage the naming process for devices relying on NetBIOS, ensuring reliable communication and connectivity within their network.