File Sharing Protocols

These protocols are used to Sharing files across networks, offering different levels of security, reliability, and platform support.

Protocol

Description

Use Case

NFS (Network File System)

Allows shared access to files over a network, mainly in Unix/Linux systems. Mounts remote file systems as if they were local.

Centralized file storage and sharing within a network.

SMB (Server Message Block)

A network file sharing protocol primarily used in Windows environments. Provides file/printer sharing, network browsing, and inter-process communication.

Shared file access between Windows and mixed‑OS networks.

WebDAV (Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning)

An extension of HTTP that allows clients to perform remote web content authoring. Maps HTTP resources into file‑system–like semantics.

Collaborative editing over the web, mounting remote web servers as drives.

AFP (Apple Filing Protocol)

A network protocol developed by Apple for file services on macOS. Integrates resource‑fork and Finder metadata support.

File sharing among macOS systems in home or enterprise networks.

RFC: RFC 1094 (v2), RFC 1813 (v3), RFC 7530 (v4)

Main Features:

  • Distributed file system protocol for sharing directories/files over LAN

  • Allows remote mounting of file systems as if they were local

  • Stateless (v2/v3) or stateful (v4) client-server architecture

  • Supports file locking, permissions, and access control

Use Cases:

  • Centralized file storage across Unix/Linux systems

  • Home directory sharing in enterprise and academic environments

  • High-performance computing clusters with shared data

Alternative Protocols:

  • SMB/CIFS – Windows-based file sharing

  • WebDAV – HTTP-based file system access

  • FTP/SFTP – For simpler file-based transfers

Let us learn more about NFS:

Jump to “NFS”

RFC / Specification: Originally CIFS (Common Internet File System); documentation in MS‑CIFS; later SMB2/SMB3 in Windows and published as CIFS/SMB specs (e.g., MS‑SMB2, MS‑SMB3).

Main Features:

  • Works over TCP/IP (port 445); can operate over NetBIOS/SMB port 139.

  • Provides file and printer sharing, authentication, session management.

  • Supports strong authentication (NTLM, Kerberos), encryption (SMB3), file locking, opportunistic locking (oplocks).

  • Stateful client‑server architecture with directory enumeration, change notifications.

Use Cases:

  • Network file and printer sharing in Windows-centric environments.

  • Mixed‑platform file access (Windows, macOS, some Linux clients via Samba).

  • Domain‑based access control in Active Directory environments.

Alternative Protocols:

  • NFS – Unix/Linux network sharing.

  • WebDAV – HTTP/S‑based authoring and sharing.

  • FTP/SFTP – Basic file transfers.

Let us learn more about SMB:

Jump to “SMB”

RFC / Specification: RFC 4918 (WebDAV), RFC 2518 earlier work; DeltaV, ACL extensions (e.g., RFC 3744).

Main Features:

  • Extends HTTP(S) with methods like PROPFIND, PROPPATCH, LOCK, UNLOCK, MKCOL.

  • Enables read/write access to web-based directories/files.

  • Supports properties/metadata, locking, namespace manipulations.

  • Operates statelessly over HTTP; authentication via Basic, Digest, or stronger (e.g., OAuth).

Use Cases:

  • Integrating remote web servers as file systems (e.g., Windows “Map Network Drive”, macOS “Connect to Server”).

  • Collaborative editing of documents on web servers (CMS, wiki systems).

  • Cloud storage access via WebDAV interfaces.

Alternative Protocols:

  • FTP/SFTP – simpler file transfers (less integrated).

  • SMB/NFS – LAN file systems.

  • REST APIs – more granular control but less filesystem-like.

Let us learn more about WebDAV:

Jump to “WebDAV”

RFC / Specification: Originally proprietary to Apple; some documentation in Apple’s AFP spec; not an IETF RFC.

Main Features:

  • Designed for macOS (classic Mac OS and macOS compatibility).

  • Preserves resource forks, Finder metadata, file IDs, and metadata such as type/creator codes.

  • Supports authentication via AFPDH (Diffie‑Hellman) and clearsigned passwords; modern macOS supports SMB primarily but still supports AFP in legacy cases.

  • Supports file locking, journaling, and directory enumeration.

Use Cases:

  • Legacy macOS file sharing and Time Machine backups.

  • Mac-centric home or enterprise network file services.

  • Preservation of Mac-specific metadata in shared files.

Alternative Protocols:

  • SMB – modern Apple recommends SMB.

  • NFS – UNIX sharing.

  • WebDAV – remote editing, HTTP‑based.

Let us learn more about AFP:

Jump to “AFP”