CIFS

Common Internet File System or CIFS, is a proposed standard that utilizes the client/server model. It works by allowing a client program to make a request from a server program in order to access a file or pass a message to programs functioning on the server computer. The server program then takes the request and delivers an appropriate response. CIFS is often defined as a public or open variation of the SMB Protocol (Server Message Block) developed by Microsoft. In modern times, SMB is widely used in local area networks to access server files and resources. Similar to SMB, CIFS functions at a higher level due to it’s involvement with TCP/IP protocol. It is also referred to as an extension of existing internet protocols such as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) and FTP (File Transfer Protocol). As an Open Group standard, CIFS has been proposed to the IEFT (Internet Engineering Task Force) as a standard for web-based applications.