Server Message Block (SMB)

Server Message Block (SMB) is a network protocol used for sharing files between computers or other devices on a network. It is primarily used on Windows-based systems and is supported on many other operating systems, including Mac OS, Linux, and UNIX. SMB is a client-server protocol, meaning it requires both a client and server device.

The Server Message Block (SMB) protocol was created in the mid-1980s by IBM, which originally called it the “IBM LAN Server Network Application Program Interface.” It was designed to enable users to access and share resources on a network in the same way they do on the local hard drive.

SMB generally operates on TCP port 445 and is one of the main protocols used for Windows networking. It enables file and printer sharing, communication with other systems on the network, and remote administration. It is also one of the main protocols used on the Internet for file sharing services.

The protocol is used for a variety of purposes, including sharing files, printers, serial ports, and other network resources. Other uses include remote desktop applications, distributed caching for networked printers and scanners, protocol for distributed file systems, cached files synchronization, network remote administration, and other distributed applications.

SMB has been used for many years and is one of the most widely used network protocols. However, due to several security vulnerabilities, newer versions, such as Microsoft’s SMB2 and SMB3, have been developed and are becoming more popular. The newer versions incorporate enhanced security features, such as encryption and improved authentication methods.

In recent years, SMB has become an important protocol for many consumer, business, and corporate networks. It is a robust protocol that has been widely implemented in many Windows-based products and services, and is also used in many other networks and products. SMB continues to be a popular choice to support business-critical functions such as file sharing, especially on large networks and is constantly evolving to meet new requirements for data sharing and security.