Active Directory and CIFS
CIFS is an acronym which stands for Common Internet File System. It is based on Server Message Block protocol which has been around since the mid 80’s and enables a standard method for sharing files on networks. CIFS runs on TCP/IP and utilises the DNS. For resources on a network to be locatable, a means must exist whereby the resources can easily be found.A great example of this is a list of printers which a user can access. Microsofts Active Directory can be used, and responds to requests with a list of currently available devices and services that the user is able to access.
Active Directory provides advantages such as controlling and managing security necessities and single-sign-on authentication for users.