Draft:SMB over QUIC

SMB over QUIC (Server Message Block over Quick UDP Internet Connections) is a protocol designed to enable secure, efficient, and reliable file sharing and communication between devices over the Internet. It combines the SMB protocol, traditionally used for file sharing in local networks, with the QUIC transport protocol, which provides low-latency and secure communication over the internet.

Overview

SMB, originally developed by IBM, is a network file sharing protocol allowing applications to read and write to files and request services from server programs in a computer network. It has been a fundamental component of Microsoft Windows operating systems, facilitating file and print sharing, as well as various other network-related tasks.

QUIC, an emerging protocol developed by Google, aims to improve upon the performance and security of traditional Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) connections by implementing a streamlined protocol directly over the User Datagram Protocol (UDP). Its primary goals include reducing latency, improving congestion control, and enhancing security through features such as encryption and authentication by default.

Integration of SMB over QUIC

The integration of SMB over QUIC combines the strengths of both protocols. By leveraging the advantages of QUIC, SMB over QUIC aims to offer enhanced performance, especially in scenarios involving remote or wide-area networks. This integration intends to provide a more efficient and secure method for accessing shared files and resources over the internet while maintaining compatibility with existing SMB-based systems.

Benefits

Performance

SMB over QUIC aims to improve performance by leveraging QUIC's low-latency (single handshake), multiplexed connections, and optimized congestion control mechanisms (session ticket for immediate connection restore and smart packet header for prompt data recovery), allowing for faster file transfers, better responsiveness.

Security

The utilization of QUIC's inherent security features, including encryption and TLS 1.3 authentication by default, enhances the security of data transmission in SMB over QUIC connections.

An alternative to SMB over QUIC for a mobile device, for example, to access SMB file shares safely, is via VPN. SMB over TCP (port 445) is not considered secure and usually it is disabled by corporate network firewalls and Internet Service Providers.

Accessibility and Compatibility

This protocol aims to maintain compatibility with existing SMB-based systems, enabling seamless integration and transition for file sharing operations across networks through its own ID, independently of IP address and port.

Implementation and Adoption

There are various ongoing efforts to implement SMB over QUIC. Its adoption and deployment are expected to provide significant benefits for remote file sharing, cloud-based storage, and distributed computing environments.

• In February 2020 SMB over QUIC was included in Samba's roadmap.
• In September 2020 Microsoft presented SMB over QUIC availability for Windows Server at the Storage Developer Conference organized by SNIA.org and since then the required prerequisites became public domain.