CompTIA Network+ Practice Test

What is the purpose of LDAP/LDAPS?

1. To encrypt file sharing

2. To store and retrieve information in a network directory

3. To log network messages centrally

4. To manage VoIP sessions

The correct answer is: To store and retrieve information in a network directory

The purpose of LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) and its secure version, LDAPS, is to store and retrieve information in a network directory. LDAP is commonly used for accessing and maintaining distributed directory information services over a network. This includes management of user credentials, permissions, and relations within an organization's network service, enabling a centralized repository for user and resource information. With LDAP, applications can query and modify directory services over TCP/IP, which can include user authentication, email address lookup, and managing user profiles. LDAPS enhances this by using SSL/TLS to secure the data exchanged, which is particularly important for sensitive information, ensuring that any data transmitted between clients and servers is encrypted. The other options pertain to different network functions that do not align with the core functionality of LDAP or LDAPS. For instance, encrypting file sharing is a different concept, primarily associated with protocols like SMB or FTP with encryption, while logging network messages centrally would typically involve logging services or syslog, and managing VoIP sessions relates more to protocols such as SIP (Session Initiation Protocol), rather than directory services.