Windows 10: Master Browser Timing

The more time I spend on the Board, the more I believe that a number of recurring discovery problems may be just the unhappy side effects of the proper operation of a Master Browser in a Workgroup.

So, do I have this right?

1. All the computers in a Workgroup pass information among themselves to determine which computer will serve as the Master Browser. This election process takes very little time.

2. The Master Browser accumulates and maintains a "browse list" of all computers (and other IP devices) in the Workgroup.

3. Every device in the browse list reports back the Master Browser at 12 minute intervals.

4. If a given computer (e.g. Brutus) is switched off and does not report back for three consecutive intervals (36 minutes), Brutus is removed from the browse list.

5. The Master Browser sends the refreshed browse list to all Workgroup computers every 15 minutes.

6. Therefore, it could take up to 51 minutes for other Workgroup computers to be notified that Brutus has left the Workgroup. In the meantime, the other Workgroup computers report to their respective users that Brutus is still connected. However, their users will not be able to access Brutus and may suspect an error of some sort.

7. When Brutus is again switched on, Brutus reports to the Master Browser immediately but it can take up to 15 minutes for the Master Browser to notify the Workgroup the Brutus has rejoined.

Again, is this reasonably correct?

:)

 

Master Browser question

I'm experiencing similar problems on my main computer. Using NetBScanner.exe I see the Master Browser on another computer but never see my own computer show up in the Master Browser list by ID or MAC address. It's almost as if it is hidden from my router and network. I'm not sure where or how to troubleshoot this sort of issue. Any suggestions? Tired, Retired but Retreaded ready to use my head (GRIN).

 

Master Browser question

I have 3 computers all connected to ports on my gateway via ethernet cables.
All three are running Windows 10 Version 1809 with yesterday's updates..

Desktop#1 is the Master browser (verified using the nbtstat -n command).

Desktop#1 lists all three computer names under Network on File Explorer.

Desktop#2 and Desktop#3 do not list any computer names under Network on File Explorer no matter how long I wait.

From other posts, I thought that the Master Browser computer maintained a list of computer names and somehow transmitted the list to the other computers. It does not seem to be happening for me.

This is not critical since I can add network locations via This PC.

But any insight you could provide concerning the operation of the Master browser would be appreciated.

 

Master Browser question

I do wait for NetBscanner to display my computer by ID but it never shows up at all in the list. My computer is a Lenovo and should show up as .....15 on the list but it is absent.




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I am not able to find other computers on my private network. I can only find Marys_Tiger the one listed above which has been assigned the Master Browser. All other computers seem to not appear on my network. All have been assigned the same WORKGROUP name etc. I'm struggling to understand why they do not appear. I suspect a firewall or assignment issue of some sort which may be a pre-requisite for membership (on the network) and 'voting' for who is the Master Browser.