A broadcast search does not use database information about the location of a requested LU to propagate the search, because a directed search using database information has failed or there is no database information for the requested resource. Each network node receiving the search request sends the search to each of its adjacent network nodes; this allows the whole network to be searched. (VTAM® end nodes do not allow searches for resources that are not registered. With other types of end nodes, broadcast searches include all domain end nodes that have requested that they be searched for the specific resource type.)

When the search reaches the network node serving the destination resource, that node sends back a positive reply to the first search request it receives. All subsequent search requests received by that network node as part of the same search are answered with a negative reply.