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Everything You Need To Know About LDAP & Its Features


Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) is a standard framework which is used by computer systems and networked devices to access common network information. The mere ability to grant network admittance to data is not the benchmark that differentiates LDAP SERVER from several other data access protocols constructed with a similar purpose in mind. There are several other commendable features that make LDAP protocol well-suited for gaining access and perform updates on distinct types of shared information. 


LDAP & Directory Services

In the simplest terms, a directory can be defined as a compilation of information. For instance, in earlier times, a telephone directory was used widely to search phone numbers. 

In the world of computers, digital directories exist everywhere. A Unix file keeping all passwords can be viewed as a computer account directory, while a Domain Name Service (DNS) furnishes details about network hosts as a directory service.

LDAP SERVER is also a directory service since it offers client-server access to records across computer network. In addition to providing the capability to explore and read data, it also defines a way through which information can be added, changed, and removed in a digital repository.

There are broadly two types of directory servers that can execute the LDAP functioning:

  • Stand-alone LDAP server
  • LDAP gateway server

Stand-alone LDAP server: As the name suggests, these servers make exclusive use of LDAP for data access— their proprietary native information directories are attuned for LDAP access only.

LDAP gateway server: LDAP gateway servers work as interpreting devices between LDAP and other native network protocols or application program interfaces (APIs). The mechanism offers direct access to the directory information via different means. 

LDAP and Authentication

Discussing access permissions and system security in today's world is practically unthinkable without LDAP being part of the discussion. While it may not sound very obvious to a casual user, however, LDAP has established itself as the de facto means to obtain the personal information and other credentials required to authenticate the access.

The methodology makes it a lot easier to handle and disseminate biometric data and other information than when done through conventional means. The data stored in an LDAPServer can be bifurcated offering far easier management while at the same time presenting a centralized perspective to the applications and authentication services at work.

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