Network Protocols Glossary
What is a network protocol? Protocols are the rules of the road for how data exists and moves on the network. They allow many different systems and computers to communicate.
CIFS Protocol
What is CIFS Protocol?
It is a specific version of SMB which was developed by Microsoft in 1996 and rebranded as the Common Internet File System. Problem was, it became infamous for being buggy, chatty, and generally not performing well. The rebranding attempt was abandoned in 2006 when Microsoft came out with SMB 2.0.
In its day, CIFS was used to share files remotely via IP, which worked in conjunction with FTP and HTTP.
What is the purpose of CIFS
CIFS uses the client-server model to share files across distinct network systems:
- 1. A client sends a request to a server.
- 2. The server fulfills the request.
- 3. The server sends a response back to the client.
- 4. Server grumbles to other servers that no one ever tips.