LDAP stands for Lightweight Directory Access Protocol. It is an open and widely-used protocol for accessing and managing directory information services.
The default port number for LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) is 389 for unencrypted communication. However, for secure LDAP communication using SSL/TLS encryption, the default port number is 636. These port numbers are widely recognized and used for LDAP communication, but it's important to note that LDAP can technically be configured to use different port numbers if needed.
LDAP is often used for centralized authentication, directory services, and storing information about users, groups, devices, and other objects in a networked environment. Here are some key aspects of LDAP:
Directory Services: LDAP is primarily used for accessing and managing directory services, which are databases of information about network resources. These resources can include user accounts, groups, devices, printers, and more.
Lightweight: LDAP is considered "lightweight" because it is designed to be efficient and relatively simple compared to other directory access protocols like X.500. This makes it well-suited for use in networked environments.
Protocol: LDAP is both a protocol and a set of rules for how information is organized and accessed within a directory. It operates over TCP/IP and typically uses port 389 (or port 636 for secure connections).
Tree Structure: LDAP directory data is organized in a hierarchical or tree-like structure. It uses a "Directory Information Tree" (DIT) where entries are organized into a parent-child relationship, similar to the file system's directory structure.
Attributes: Each directory entry (object) contains attributes that store specific pieces of information. For example, a user entry might have attributes for their name, email address, and group memberships.
Search and Query: LDAP allows clients to search for specific information within the directory. Clients can issue queries to retrieve entries based on various criteria, such as name, location, or group membership.
Authentication and Authorization: LDAP is commonly used for user authentication. Applications and services can use LDAP to verify user credentials (e.g., username and password) and determine access rights based on LDAP group memberships.
Security: LDAP can be used with encryption (e.g., LDAP over SSL or TLS) to secure data transmission. Access control mechanisms, such as Access Control Lists (ACLs), are used to protect sensitive directory data.
Common Implementations: Popular LDAP server implementations include Microsoft Active Directory, OpenLDAP (open-source), and various other proprietary and open-source options.
LDAP is used in a wide range of applications and services, including email systems (for address book lookup), single sign-on solutions, networked storage, and more. Its standardized and extensible nature makes it a versatile choice for managing directory information in diverse environments.
What kind of protocol is LDAP?
LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) is a network protocol specifically designed for accessing and managing directory services. It is considered an application layer protocol within the TCP/IP protocol suite and operates over either TCP (LDAP) or TCP with SSL/TLS encryption (LDAPS).