Introduction to Directory ServerChapter 1 Introduction to Directory Server 17• A basic directory tree containing server-related data.The following sections describe each component of the directory in more detail.Overview of the Server Front-EndThe server front-end of Directory Server manages communications with directoryclient programs. Directory Server functions as a daemon on UNIX systems and as aservice on Windows. Multiple client programs can speak to the server in LDAP.They can communicate using LDAP over TCP/IP. The connection can also beprotected with SSL/TLS, depending on whether the client negotiates the use ofTransport Layer Security (TLS) for the connection.When communication takes place with TLS, the communication is usuallyencrypted. In the future, when DNS security is present, TLS used in conjunctionwith secured DNS will provide confirmation to client applications that they arebinding to the correct server. If clients have been issued certificates, TLS can beused by Directory Server to confirm that the client has the right to access the server.TLS and its predecessor SSL are used throughout Netscape server products toperform other security activities such as message integrity checks, digitalsignatures, and mutual authentication between servers.Multiple clients can bind to the server at the same time over the same networkbecause the Directory Server is a multi-threaded application. As directory servicesgrow to include larger numbers of entries or larger numbers of clients spread outgeographically, they also include multiple Directory Servers placed in strategicplaces around the network.Server Plug-ins OverviewDirectory Server relies on plug-ins. A plug-in is a way to add functionality to thecore server. For example, a database is a plug-in.A plug-in can be disabled. When disabled, the plug-in’s configuration informationremains in the directory but its function will not be used by the server. Dependingupon the what you want your directory to do, you can choose to enable any of theplug-ins provided with Directory Server.Netscape Professional Services can write custom plug-ins for your Directory Serverdeployment. Contact Netscape Professional Services for more information.
