Bonjour, also known as zero-configuration networking, enables automatic discovery of computers, devices, and services on IP networks. Bonjour uses industry standard IP protocols to allow devices to automatically discover each other without the need to enter IP addresses or configure DNS servers. In order to provide a true zero-configuration experience, Bonjour requires that devices implement three essential things. These devices must be able to:

• Allocate IP addresses without a DHCP server.
• Translate between names and addresses without a DNS server.
• Locate or advertise services without using a directory server.

Related Links

Zero Configuration Networking: The Definitive Guide

This definitive guide walks you through Bonjour zero-configuration networking with a complete description of the protocols and technologies used to create Bonjour enabled applications and devices. Co-written by Apple's own Stuart Cheshire, this book discusses the core technologies of Bonjour and covers the programming APIs available for Mac OS X, Windows, Linux, Solaris and FreeBSD.

Bonjour Frequently Asked Questions

Visit the Bonjour FAQ page for answers to common questions regarding developing Bonjour enabled hardware devices and applications.

Bonjour Protocol Specifications

The Bonjour Protocol Specifications detail the three technologies that make up link-local Bonjour, and explain how to create Bonjour compliant printers. The remaining specifications discuss technologies used in wide-area Bonjour, including NAT traversal.

Bonjour Google TechTalk Video

Watch Stuart Cheshire's TechTalk on Google Video as he describes the protocols and technologies used in Bonjour zero-configuration networking.

Bonjour Service Types

Bonjour service discovery uses the service types listed on the DNS-SD.org web site. If your application defines a new service type that isn't on this list, you should register your service type with DNS-SD.org and optionally register it with IANA if your application protocol also requires a well-known port number.

Bonjour Source Code

The Mac OS X mDNSResponder source code is available from the Darwin CVS repository. This package includes platform specific code for implementing Bonjour's Multicast DNS Service Discovery on Mac OS X, Windows, Linux, Solaris, FreeBSD and VxWorks, and also includes helper applications for browsing and advertising services. Hardware device manufacturers are encouraged to embed the Darwin open source mDNSResponder code directly into their products.

Bonjour for Windows Licensing Program

Apple is now licensing Bonjour for Windows to third-party hardware and software developers to include with their products. Developers can choose to include the entire Bonjour for Windows installer, which contains the Printer Wizard and IE Plugin, or they can choose the Bonjour Core version, which only includes the mDNSResponder system service and corresponding libraries.

Bonjour Logo Licensing Program

Apple is licensing the Bonjour logo for use with applications and hardware products that incorporate Bonjour technology. The Bonjour Conformance Test is provided to help ensure that your hardware device interoperates with other Bonjour compliant products.

Bonjour Feedback

Use this online feedback form to send us your comments. For technical assistance, hardware vendors who would like to support Bonjour in their network-enabled products should contact bonjourdev@apple.com.

Networking Topics
Bonjour

Bonjour Downloads

Networking Headlines Release Notes: Extending and Troubleshooting Directory Services 2008-06-09 Release Note: Extending and Troubleshooting Directory Services 2008-06-09 Sample Code: URL CacheInfo 2008-06-05 Sample Code: Kerberos GSS 2008-06-04 Technical Q&A: Bonjour Printing Subtype 2008-03-20

Networking Bonjour Reference Library Documentation Sample Code Technical Q&As

Mailing Lists Bonjour Developer The Bonjour mailing list is a great resource for developers with questions about Bonjour APIs and for people interested in detailed discussions of Bonjour protocol specifics. Macintosh Network Programming If you're developing network software for Mac OS X , we strongly recommend that you join the MacNetworkProg mailing list.

Other Resources Bonjour: The official Bonjour site on Mac OS Forge Bonjour in Mac OS X Zeroconf Working Group Multicast DNS DNS Service Discovery