A number of Windows Sockets 2 features required a substantial change in the Windows Sockets architecture. The resulting architecture is considerably different from previous versions, but the benefits are numerous. Foremost among these is Simultaneous Access to Multiple Transport Protocols, explained in detail in the following section.
Other features include the adoption of protocol-independent name resolution facilities, provisions for layered protocols and protocol chains, and a different mechanism for Windows Sockets service providers to offer extended, provider-specific functionality.