file sharing protocol

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, Mac and Unix platforms. See Samba. See also peer-to-peer network.

Operating   File SharingSystem      Protocol

   Windows     CIFS, SMB

   DOS         SMB

   Mac         AFP

   Unix        NFS, Samba

Sharing Files on a Mac

This is part of the Mac sharing dialog that enables Macs to share files with other Macs (AFP) and Windows machines (SMB).

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References in periodicals archive

However, limiting NAS functionality to only file sharing protocol support will compromise the level of data sharing and the administrative simplicity of the device because that device will not be able to distinguish and support important file system-level, data sharing features.

NAS Technology Is Ready For Prime Time

Merely supporting the CIFS/SMB and NFS file sharing protocols limits the level of transparency for supporting NT and Unix data and, accordingly, the level of data sharing that can be achieved.

NAS Technology Is Ready For Prime Time

New WAFS products combine distributed filesystems with caching technology to allow real-time, read-write access to shared file storage from any location, while also providing interoperability with standard file sharing protocols such as NFS and CIFS.

Wide area file sharing across the WAN

Network File System (NFS) and common Internet file systems (CIFS) are network file sharing protocols used by Unix and Microsoft Windows operating systems, respectively.

File sharing over the WAN. (Storage Networking)

It is a stand-alone unit that plugs into an Ethernet port and includes the file sharing protocols necessary to have the device recognized as a share on the network.

Online backup and recovery services: throwing a lifeline to "stranded servers". (Storage Networking)

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