Quiz Entry - updated: 2026.07.14
What is SMB and how does it differ from FTP?
SMB is a client/server file- and printer-sharing protocol; unlike FTP's per-transfer connections, it keeps a long-term connection so remote resources appear local to the client.
SMB (Server Message Block):
A client/server, request-response file sharing protocol that allows servers to make their resources available to clients on the network.
Three Functions of SMB:
- Start, authenticate, and terminate sessions
- Control file and printer access
- Allow applications to send or receive messages to/from other devices
SMB vs FTP:
| Feature | FTP | SMB |
|---|---|---|
| Connection type | Creates new connection per transfer | Long-term connection |
| Resource access | Each file requires new transfer | Resources appear as local to client |
| Use case | File transfer | Network file/printer sharing |
Shared Resources via SMB:
- File systems
- Printers
- Mail slots
- APIs
Key insight: After an SMB connection is established, the user can access resources on the server as though the resource is local to the client host. This is how Windows network drives and shared folders work.
Go deeper:
Server Message Block (Wikipedia) — the file/printer-sharing protocol behind Windows network drives.