In computer networking, Server Message Block (SMB), also known as Common Internet File System (CIFS, /ˈsɪfs/) operates as an application-layer network protocol mainly used for providing shared access to files, printers, serial ports, and miscellaneous communications between nodes on a network. It also provides an authenticated inter-process communication mechanism. Most usage of SMB involves computers running Microsoft Windows, where it was known as "Microsoft Windows Network" before the subsequent introduction of Active Directory. Corresponding Windows services are the "Server Service" (for the server component) and "Workstation Service" (for the client component).
The Server Message Block protocol can run atop the Session (and lower) network layers in several ways:
- directly over TCP, port 445;
- via the NetBIOS API, which in turn can run on several transports:
- on UDP ports 137, 138 & TCP ports 137, 139 — see NetBIOS over TCP/IP;
- on several legacy protocols such as NBF (incorrectly referred to as NetBEUI).
Read more about Server Message Block: History, SMB2, Features, Security, Specifications For SMB and SMB2 Protocols
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