MTU Directory Server Frequently Asked Questions

Questions

1. What kind of directory server does MTU have?
2. Does the MTU directory server support LDAPS (i.e., LDAP over SSL)?
3. How do I search the directory server?

Answers

1. MTU currently uses Sun ONE Directory Server version 5.1
2. LDAPS is currently supported.
3. As with any database, there are restrictions on what can be accessed. Still, at MTU there are several ways to search the directory server:
   • The ph program can be used as a front end to the directory server for finding information about people.
     
     ph -s mtu.edu John Smith
     
     The above search would return information about John Smith if there was a John Smith at MTU.
   • The finger program can also be used to find information about people similar to the ph program.
   • MTU provides a way to find person information on the web at the MTU Directory Lookup page.
   • An LDAP URL. The RFC LDAP URL definition is as follows:
     
     <ldapurl> ::= "ldap://" [ <host:port> ] "/" <dn> [ "?" <attributes> [ "?" <scope> "?" <filter> ] ]
     
     Some web browsers can act as a search tool when provided an appropriate LDAP URL. For instance, the following URL would return information about John Smith when entered into a Netscape Communicator browser's "Location" text box:
     
     ldap://ldap.mtu.edu/dc=mtu,dc=edu??sub?cn=John Smith
     
     For more information on LDAP URLs please see RFC 2255.
   • There are many other search tools available with both a graphical interface and a command line interface. Unfortunately, there is no comprehensive list out there, so go to your favorite search engine and try to find a tool that works for you.