SMB

Server Message Block is a network file-sharing protocol that allows applications and users to access files, printers, and other resources on a remote server as if they were local. It operates in the Application layer on ports 445 and 139 and is widely used in Windows networks.

It is commonly used for:

• Centralized storage and file access

• Printer Sharing over the same network

• Domain communication, critical for Active Directory (AD) authentication

• Resource management across a network

The SMB protocol can be accessed from Linux using the smbclient tool, among others.