Because the Directory Server is based on a client-server model, you must use an LDAP client to access or change directory information.  The Directory Server gateway is an LDAP client that allows you to edit or search your directory.

The two other ways you can change directory information are through the Users and Groups area of your administration server, and the command line utilities, ldapsearch and ldapmodify.
 

Directory Server Gateway 

The Directory Server gateway is an LDAP client that provides a bridge from a JavaScript-capable web browser to the Directory Server. In essence, the Directory Server gateway allows you to submit LDAP commands to the Directory Server over HTTP using a web browser. Specifically, you can:
  • Search the directory using one of two types of searches. Smart search provides an intelligent searching mechanism that attempts to perform the correct search based on the type of data included in the search. Advanced search provides the ability to search for values contained in specific entry attributes, such as a telephone number or e-mail address.

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  •  Create a new entry in the directory. Typically, this feature is reserved only for users who have authenticated properly to the Directory Server, and who have been granted write permissions by the directory administrator.

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  •  Modify existing entries. Modification lets you change existing values to entry attributes, delete the entire entry, rename the entry, or change the password for the entry. Typically this feature is reserved only for users who have authenticated properly to the gateway.

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  • Authenticate to the Directory Server. Authentication is necessary only if your directory manager has set the Directory Server access control in such a way as to require authentication. Although the exact authentication requirements will differ from site to site, typically you will need to authenticate only if you are adding, modifying, or deleting an entry in the directory. 


For details on how to use the Directory Server gateway, see the online help that is available through the gateway. For information on how to install and configure the gateway, see the Directory Server Deployment and Installation manual. 
 
 


 


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