Definition: file sharing protocol

The network protocol that supports requests between machines. The file sharing protocol provides the commands for opening, reading, writing and closing files across the network and may also provide access to the directory services. Also called a "client/server protocol," it functions at the top layer in the network protocol stack (see OSI model).

In order for a client machine to access servers running different operating systems, either the client supports the file sharing protocol of each operating system or the server supports the protocol of each client. SMB and Samba are common sharing protocols (see SMB and Samba). See peer-to-peer network.

   Operating   File Sharing
   System      Protocol

   Windows     SMB (CIFS)

   DOS         SMB

   Mac         AFP

   Unix        NFS, Samba

File Sharing Protocols on a Mac

This Mac dialog from the early 2010s mentioned both the Apple and Windows file sharing protocols. See AFP.