This is referenced in the TCP/IP Properties of an internet connection on Windows XP:
Primary DNS suffix and
Connection-specific suffix:
Quote:
For example, if your primary DNS suffix is dev.wcoast.microsoft.com and you type ping xyz at a command prompt, the computer queries for xyz.dev.wcoast.microsoft.com. If you also configure a connection-specific domain name on one of your connections for bldg23.dev.wcoast.microsoft.com, the computer queries for xyz.dev.wcoast.microsoft.com and xyz.bldg23.dev.wcoast.microsoft.com.
Connection-specific suffixes are configured in 'DNS suffix for this connection'. The primary DNS suffix is configured by clicking Properties on the Computer Name tab (available in System in Control Panel). The local setting is used only if the associated Group Policy is disabled or unspecified.
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(Note: I added emphasis)
In english, a DNS suffix simply specifies which domain a computer belongs to. In Windows, you can specify alternate (multiple) DNS suffixes if you so desired (as mentioned above in the quote.)
As for a "Primary DNS Suffix", it works the same way. In a way, you could consider it the 'default' DNS suffix. When your computer tries to resolve a name, it will always use the Primary DNS suffix (unless you go in and change the 'search order'.)
A connection-specific DNS suffix means it will only be valid when that specific connection is used. For example, if you connect using dialup, you could put a different DNS suffix for that, and another DNS suffix for your cable modem service (or LAN, WAN, wireless, etc)
I don't have any links offhand that describe it very well.
There are four basic node types... (b-node, p-node, m-node, h-node) which are just ways that your computer 'looks up' names. You don't have to mess with these settings, as they are usually provided by DHCP automatically. I don't know much about them.. but you can read more information provided by Microsoft in their
Article 160177 - Default Node Types for Microsoft Clients
- rp
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