SMB

Server Message Block (SMB) is a network protocol primarily used for providing shared access to files, printers, and serial ports between nodes on a network. It was originally developed by IBM and has become a cornerstone for file sharing on Windows networks. SMB is widely implemented and supported by various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Unix-based systems through the Samba software. The protocol facilitates effective and secure communication across a network by enabling multiple users to access the same files concurrently.

The SMB protocol, initially developed by IBM in the early 1980s, has undergone significant evolution over time. Microsoft made substantial contributions to its development and integration into the Windows operating systems, making SMB an integral part of networked file access. SMB allows applications or users to read and write to files on a remote server, as well as execute a range of administrative operations on networked systems. It is a request-response protocol, meaning that the client sends a request, and the server responds, ensuring a reliable method of communication. One of the protocol's significant advancements came with SMB 2.0, introduced with Windows Vista, greatly improving performance, scalability, and security over the older versions. SMB 3.0, released with Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012, added features such as improved encryption and better support for virtualized environments. Today, the protocol remains essential for seamless and secure file sharing in various network environments.