asked on

Can't see user VLAN from Server VLAN

After setting up VLANs we can no longer see computers on the users VLAN from the server VLAN. I was told to install WINS and that would fix the issue, and it has. The problem being is now I am being told that they want to do away with WINS and only use DNS.

Do I have to do anything specific with DNS to make it talk between VLANs? It seems WINS fixed this problem, but if they are not going to allow me to run WINS anymore I am not sure how to fix this problem.

Also when I take out the WINS setting I can't go to My Network Places and see all our computers and servers. I was told that this all can be done with DNS, but I am not sure how it is done. Any help would be great!

ChiefIT

The issue you are running into is Netbios is not a routeable program. Netbios carries the information for the master browser. The domain master browser is used to populate My network places. Netbios broadcasts from the clients and servers on one site will not see clients and servers on the other VLAN because Netbios will not go through a VPN tunnel, across NAT, to different subnets, or over VLAN.

You can set up a WINS connection between the two sites MASTER BROWSERS. Or you can set up a LMHOST RECORD between the two master browsers.

The default ports for file and print sharing and the master browser are similar. I think the browser service will populate using the SMB ports, and I know it will populate over the old school way to populate the master browser.

((((UNFORTUNATELY)))) the master browser service and its use of netbios broadcasts HASN'T changed a bit since the NT4 server era.

WINS and NETBIOS BROADCASTS ports:
Netbios /WINS port 137 UDP and TCP
Netbios datagram ports 138 UDP
Netbios datagram port 139 UDP

SMB (server Message Block) File and print sharing ports:
SMB port 445 UDP and TCP
Netbios datagram port 139 UDP

I have helped MANY folks get over this issue. So, just google search ChiefIT + Master + Browser. Or EE search for this.

ChiefIT

Any additional questions please ask.

Kyle Olderog

ASKER

Thanks for the help ChiefIT

From what I have looked over to fix this problem I need to setup one Master Browser on each VLAN correct and one Domain Master Browser? Then I need to use the LMHOST RECORD to link between the VLANs?

If I complete this then I should be able to see all the computers on the network via My Network Places?

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

ChiefIT

membership

This solution is only available to members.

To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.

Start Free Trial

ChiefIT

You could also unblock port 137, 138 and 139 between VLANS. I think that will work for you as well.

Kyle Olderog

ASKER

Thanks again ChiefIT!