Server Message Block (SMB) protocol

Server Message Block (SMB) is a client-server network protocol primarily used for sharing access to files, printers, and other resources on a network. It operates over the TCP/IP protocol suite and facilitates inter-process communication by providing a mechanism for clients to request file or print services from server programs on a computer network. SMB is a network protocol that enables files and printers to be shared across a network, providing a method for client applications to read and write to files on, and request services from server programs in the network. The SMB protocol enables you to mount file systems between Windows and UNIX systems.

The SMB protocol defines a set of message formats and rules governing the exchange of these messages between clients and servers. It enables clients to read, write, and manage files on remote file systems, as well as request and receive output from remote print queues. The protocol provides advanced features such as distributed file locking, opportunistic locking, and support for named pipes, which facilitate inter-process communication. SMB also includes authentication mechanisms to ensure secure access to shared resources, leveraging various authentication protocols like NTLM and Kerberos. The SMB protocol was designed by IBM and subsequently modified by Microsoft, who renamed the protocol the Common Internet File System (CIFS).