Uses of CIFS

The current generation SMB protocol used for file sharing in Windows systems derived from CIFS. SMB is common on Windows networks for searching through folders and files.

Even though the CIFS protocol is probably best known in association with Microsoft, Open Source implementations of it also exist. For instance, CIFSD is an open source implementation of the CIFS (Common Internet File System) protocol for Linux. Likewise, Samba–the Windows interop scheme for Linux and Unix — features an SMB/CIFS client. CIFS and SMB can also be used to give containers access to shared resources from time to time.

Common Internet File System in OS

The Common Internet File System (CIFS) is an important piece of software that helps operating systems share files and communicate with one another in the network. CIFS, or server message block (SMB), developed by Microsoft, is a standardized protocol for sharing files on the network. In this article, we will discuss the operation of CIFS, its development, and applications to various operating systems.

Similar Reads

What is a Common Internet File System?

The Common Internet File System is abbreviated as CIFS. This is a rule of the network filesystem. The protocol enables the machines to share files, printers, and access to their serial ports. That’s what they put on devices that utilize the Windows Operating System....

Features of CIFS

The following are the important characteristics or features of the Common Internet File System:...

How Does the CIFS Work?

Below steps describe how to share the file over the network:...

Uses of CIFS

The current generation SMB protocol used for file sharing in Windows systems derived from CIFS. SMB is common on Windows networks for searching through folders and files....

Downfalls of the CIFS

The prospects for Microsoft’s CIFS proposal looked bright early on. Microsoft wanted to standardize SMB with CIFS. One of its advantages was that it directly faced communications over the TCP port 445, without going through NetBIOS at all. Despite this capability, in practice most CIFS clients and servers still used NetBIOS and LAN Manager (LanMan) authentication....

Conclusion

CIFS, has gone through several phases of development in order to adapt to the needs of networked environments. Its cross-platform capability, security functions and its ability to provide functionality make it a necessary part of modern operating systems. With further technological improvements in prospect, CIFS should continue to be adapted and revised as the environment of networked computing turns anew....

Frequently Asked Questions on Common Internet File System in OS – FAQs

What is the Common Internet File System (CIFS) in a computer system?...