Server Block Message (SMB) Protocol (original) (raw)

Last Updated : 24 Mar, 2026

SMB protocol is an application-layer network protocol. It follows client-server architecture whhere client system requests access to files available on the remote server.

• Developed by IBM and later extended by Microsoft.
• Allows users to read, write and modify files stored on the server.
• Manages permissions by supporting authentication and access control.

SBM Dialects

It is a specific version of the SBM protocol. Various dialects define how mesages are structured and communication between client and server occurs.

• It determines the features and capabilities supported by the protocol.
• Each dialect improves performance, security, and reliability.
• Examples include SMB 1.0 (CIFS), SMB 2.0, and SMB 3.0.

NetBIOS Support in SMB

In earlier implementations, SMB relied on NetBIOS (Network Basic Input/Output System) for communication.

• NetBIOS allows applications on different computers to communicate over a local network.
• It provides services such as name resolution, session management, and data transfer.
• Common NetBIOS ports include UDP 137- NetBIOS Name Service, UDP 138- NetBIOS Datagram Service, TCP 139- NetBIOS Session Service

Implementation of SMB Protocol

The open-source software called SAMBA that can run best on UNIX environment and able to communicate with Microsoft Window's Clients.

• SAMBA is able to provide the sharing service by employing this common internet file system.
• SAMBA server allows resource sharing between a system running Microsoft OS and systems running UNIX.

SAMBA Installation/Configuration

**On Terminal

sudo apt update
sudo apt install samba

SAMBA

Now check the location of the installed files

whereis samaba

whereis samba

Now create directory in home/

**Example:

mkdir sambashare

Now Configure the SAMBA Files Add the given below content in /etc/samba/samba.conf

[sambashare]
path=(Directory Path)
readonly = no
browsable = yes

Restart the smbd daemon by

sudo samba daemon smbd
sudo service smbd restart

service smbd restart

NFS Systems are **more specific to LINUX/UNIX environment, there is an application layer protocol called NFS which provides a file sharing solution in cross-platform environment. Some common uses of NFS are:

• Migrating applications between operating systems by storing the data on shares accessible from multiple systems.
• Some famous applications like TeamViewer, ShareIT and many other uses this protocol from remote access and remote file sharing.