Chapter 9. LDAP Servers
LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) is a set of open protocols used to access centrally stored information over a network. It is based on the X.500 standard for directory sharing, but is less complex and resource-intensive. For this reason, LDAP is sometimes referred to as “X.500 Lite”.
Like X.500, LDAP organizes information in a hierarchical manner using directories. These directories can store a variety of information such as names, addresses, or phone numbers, and can even be used in a manner similar to the Network Information Service (NIS), enabling anyone to access their account from any machine on the LDAP enabled network.
LDAP is commonly used for centrally managed users and groups, user authentication, or system configuration. It can also serve as a virtual phone directory, allowing users to easily access contact information for other users. Additionally, it can refer a user to other LDAP servers throughout the world, and thus provide an ad-hoc global repository of information. However, it is most frequently used within individual organizations such as universities, government departments, and private companies.
9.1. Red Hat Directory Server
Red Hat Directory Server is an LDAP-compliant server that centralizes user identity and application information. It provides an operating system-independent and network-based registry for storing application settings, user profiles, group data, policies, and access control information.
Note
You require a current Red Hat Directory Server subscription to install and update Directory Server.
For further details about setting up and using Directory Server, see:
