Mac OS X 10.2: Windows File Sharing (SMB) Computers Beyond Your Subnet Do Not Appear in Connect to Server Dialog

When browsing your local area network (LAN) via SMB, the protocol used for Windows File Sharing, some computers' names appear while others do not. The names that appear are those on your subnet.
Symptom

In the Connect to Server dialog, you see the names of some but not all Windows File Sharing computers.

Note: A "sharing" computer refers to any computer using any operating system that is capable of sharing via SMB (Mac OS, Microsoft Windows, or other). However, computers experiencing the issue are only those using Mac OS X. SMB client computers using Microsoft Windows operating systems can see computers on other subnets.


Solution

SMB browsing in Mac OS X is limited to discovering workgroups and shared computers on your subnet.

The local subnet is defined as a collection of networked devices that are connected to the same networking media and/or to the same interface on a router. For more information regarding your subnet, see your network administrator.

Note: You may still connect via other normal means. The symptom only means that you cannot browse by name. To see how to connect via IP address or DNS name, see technical document 106471, "Mac OS X 10.1 or later: How to Connect to Windows File Sharing (SMB)".
Published Date: Oct 11, 2016