LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) is an open, standardized protocol used to access and manage directory services over a network. It operates at the Application Layer and allows clients to query, modify, and authenticate users and resources stored in a hierarchical directory database. LDAP is widely used in Active Directory (AD), OpenLDAP, and other directory services for user authentication, group management, and centralized access control. It typically runs on port 389 (unencrypted) or port 636 (LDAPS for secure communication). LDAPS (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol Secure) is the secure version of LDAP, which encrypts communication between clients and directory servers using SSL/TLS. Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LDAP_LDAPS