Peer Name Resolution Protocol (PNRP) is used by Windows Peer-to-Peer Networking to resolve names for peer communication.

In peer-to-peer environments, peers rely on name resolution systems to resolve each other's network locations (addresses, protocols, and ports) from names or other types of identifiers. PNRP provides a secure, scalable, and dynamic name registration and name resolution protocol first developed for Windows XP, and then upgraded in Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. PNRP works very differently from traditional name resolution systems, opening up new possibilities for applications.

PNRP has the following properties:

  • Distributed and serverless for scalability and reliability.

  • Effortless name publication without using third-party applications.

  • Real-time updates to identifiers and addresses.

  • Identifies more than just computers.

  • Protected name publication (secure and non-secure name publication).

For PNRP troubleshooting information, see Peer Name Resolution Protocol (PNRP) Client (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=143296).


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