<P> In computer networking, Server Message Block (SMB), one version of which was also known as Common Internet File System (CIFS, / sɪfs /), operates as an application - layer network protocol mainly used for providing shared access to files, printers, and 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 introduction of Active Directory . Corresponding Windows services are LAN Manager Server (for the server component) and LAN Manager Workstation (for the client component). </P> <P> SMB can run on top of the session (and lower) network layers in several ways: </P>

What protocol does windows use for file sharing