What port does LDAP utilize for directory services?

LDAP, or Lightweight Directory Access Protocol, primarily utilizes TCP and UDP port 389 for directory services. This port is standard for communication and is used when a client requests access to directory information or services from an LDAP server.

Additionally, LDAP can use TCP port 636, which is specifically designated for LDAP over SSL (LDAPS), ensuring that the communication is secure. While UDP can be used for certain operations, most LDAP transactions occur over TCP, which is more reliable for ensuring data integrity.

The answer acknowledges both TCP and UDP operations through port 389, thus highlighting the versatility of LDAP in utilizing both transport protocols. Understanding the primary port and the corresponding use cases of each can greatly assist in network configurations or security settings when working with directory services.