A SNIA event
September 15-17, 2025

SMB3 Interoperability Lab

SMB3 Plugfest

The SNIA SMB3 Interoperability (IO) Lab will take place Monday, September 16 through Thursday, September 19, 2024, co-located with the SNIA Developer Conference (SDC) in Santa Clara, CA.  The purpose of the IO Lab is for vendors to bring their implementations of SMB3 to test, identify, and fix bugs in a collaborative setting with the goal of providing a forum in which companies can develop interoperable products. SNIA provides and supports networks and infrastructure for the IO Lab, creating a collaborative framework for testing.  The participants of the IO Lab work together to define the testing process, assuring that objectives are accomplished. There are several new features that have recently been added to the SMB3 protocol:

  • SMB NTLM disable option
  • SMB over QUIC all server editions
  • SMB over QUIC client access control
  • SMB signing required
  • SMB auth rate limiter
  • SMB alternative ports
  • SMB Mailslots disabled
  • SMB guest auth off in Pro
  • SMB global encrypt from client
  • SMB server dialect control

The IO Lab is an opportunity to learn about these new features and test your implementation with Microsoft Windows protocol test suites.  During the IO Lab you have the opportunity to directly engage with Windows Protocol Support, Test Suite Development, and members of the Windows development team as well as network with other professionals from all over the world.

In addition the SNIA SMB3 IO Lab offers access to:

  • The latest Windows client and server software from Microsoft, including test suites that help verify interoperability on various features of SMB3 protocols
  • Technical support from SMB3 engineers to look at traces and help with diagnosing problems
  • IO Lab participants are covered by a non-disclosure agreement and access is restricted to registrants only
  • As in previous years, we will open the Interoperability Lab to all SDC attendees for a reception on Monday evening, as an open house for an insider’s view

If you are reluctant to participate because you feel that your SMB implementation is "not ready", you should still participate! The SMB IO Lab is also a development opportunity, not just a testing opportunity. Implementations still in development are encouraged to participate.  It's a great opportunity to get help and learn from the experts!

How Your Company Can Participate

A primary representative from each company that wishes to participate must complete the SNIA SMB3 IO Lab Company Registration.  The fee to participate in the SMB3 IO Lab is $695 for each IO Lab participant. This includes full access to the SNIA Developer Conference sessions and meals. This special discounted rate is limited to participants that will actively participate and test, working with the other SMB3 IO Lab participants. If any of your IO Lab Engineers already have an SDC Conference pass from being a speaker or through sponsorship then there is no fee for them to participate, however the SNIA SMB3 IO Lab Company Registration form still needs to be completed.

Once the online registration form has been completed the company primary representative will be sent a registration code which will allow the company’s IO Lab Engineers to register for SDC at the special discounted rate.

REGISTER NOW

SMB3 IO Lab Logistics

The SNIA will provide and support the networks and infrastructure for the SNIA SMB3 IO Lab, creating a collaborative framework for testing.  A platform test bench consists of a six-foot table work area, a standard 110 volt 15-amp power drop and network connection.  For special power requirements please contact the SNIA for additional costs. New this year, the IO Lab will end on Thursday 9/19, so you can continue testing after the main conference ends! IO Lab testing times:

  • Set Up:  Sunday 9/15/2024, 1 pm – 5 pm PDT
  • Testing:  Monday 9/16/2024, 9 am to Thursday 9/19/2024, 3 pm PDT
    • Support available from 9 am – 5 pm PDT
    • Room open 24 hours for testing
  • Tear-down starts: Thursday 9/19/2024, 3 pm PDT (complete by 5 pm)

If you have any additional questions, please email Arnold Jones or call 407-574-7273.