LDAP

Lightweight Directory Access Protocol

LDAP is an open protocol for accessing and maintaining distributed directory information services — the standard way applications query directory services like Active Directory for user information.

IAM Protocol Directory

❓ What is LDAP?

⚙️ How Does It Work?

Applications send LDAP queries to a directory server, which returns the requested user attributes. LDAP bind operations authenticate users against the directory.

📍 Where Is It Used?

Enterprise application authentication, VPNs, email servers, network equipment, any system that needs to look up user information from Active Directory.

💡 Real-World Example

When an employee connects to the corporate VPN, the VPN server sends an LDAP bind request to Active Directory to verify her credentials, then queries her group membership to determine which network segments she can access.

🔗 Related Terms

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