A high-level network protocol that provides the structure and language for file requests between clients and servers. It provides the commands for opening, reading, writing and closing files across the network and may also provide access to the directory services. Sometimes called a "client/server protocol," it functions at the application layer (layer 7 of the OSI model).
In order for a client to have access to multiple servers running different operating systems, either the client supports the file sharing protocol of each operating system or the server supports the file sharing protocol of each client. Software that adds this capability is very common and allows interoperability between Windows, Macintosh, NetWare and Unix platforms. See Samba. See also peer-to-peer network.
Operating Transport File Sharing
System Protocol Protocol
DOS NetBIOS SMB
Windows NetBEUI CIFS, SMB
NetWare IPX NCP
Macintosh AppleTalk AFP
Unix TCP/IP NFS, Samba
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