LDAP –
LDAP (abbreviation for Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) is an open standard, vendor agnostic, an industry-standard protocol for retrieving and maintaining directory information services over the IP network.
Also that LDAP is a protocol which defines the “language” used for client programs to talk to servers (and servers to servers, too). LDAP is a way of speaking to Active Directory.
AD or Active Directory –
AD (Active Directory) is a directory service developed by Microsoft and provides a number of network-related services using standardized protocols. AD optionally supports Kerberos based authentication and supports LDAP versions 2 and 3. Also, it provides DNS based services.
Related – What is Tree in Active Directory
Active Directory provides the ability for the administrator to manage the administration and security tasks from a central location. It stores all information and configuration details in a centralized database.AD manages Windows devices through Group Policy Objects (GPOs).
It is a centralized hierarchical directory database that contains information of all user accounts in the network.
LDAP vs Active Directory –
below table consist of key comparisons & difference in LDAP vs AD –
| PARAMETER | LDAP | AD |
|---|---|---|
| Abbreviation for | Lightweight Directory Access Protocol | Active Directory |
| Philosophy | An application protocol for querying and modifying items in directory service providers like Active Directory, which supports a form of LDAP. | Active Directory is a database based system that provides authentication, directory, policy, and other services in a Windows environment. It is a centralized hierarchical directory database which contains information of all user accounts in the network. |
| Functionality | LDAP is one of the protocols you can use to communicate with Active directory | AD is a directory services database |
| Standard | LDAP is a standard | AD is Microsoft's proprietary |
| Supported platforms | Focused on the Linux / Unix environment. | Microsoft’s AD is largely a directory for Windows users, devices, and applications |
Download this LDAP vs Active Directory difference table here.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I am here to share my knowledge and experience in the field of networking with the goal being – “The more you share, the more you learn.”
I am a biotechnologist by qualification and a Network Enthusiast by interest. I developed interest in networking being in the company of a passionate Network Professional, my husband.
I am a strong believer of the fact that “learning is a constant process of discovering yourself.”
– Rashmi Bhardwaj (Author/Editor)
