Many network analysts are already quite familiar with Netware's SAP protocol. Contrasting SAP with Microsoft Browsing helps to clarify the functions of both. Although SAP filtering is optionally available, services are generally visible across the entire enterprise. Each server and IPX router maintains a service list and broadcasts SAP's at one minute intervals across each interface. The SAP architecture is therefore flat.
Clients query the server they're logged into for information about specific resources.
Contrast this with Microsoft Browsing. Any Windows NT, Windows 95 or Windows for Workgroups machine can potentially function as a Browser. The service architecture is hierarchical. Every network contains one Master Browser and one or more Backup Browsers and, in an NT network, potentially one Domain Master Browser. This terminology can be somewhat confusing.