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LFCS · Question #198

LDAP is considered "lightweight" in comparison to X.500 because (Choose TWO correct answers.)

The correct answer is A. It has a smaller set of operations. B. The client and server communicate using the TCP/IP protocol stack. LDAP is considered lightweight compared to X.500 primarily because it has a smaller set of operations and utilizes the TCP/IP protocol stack.

Submitted by eva_at· Apr 18, 2026Networking

Question

LDAP is considered "lightweight" in comparison to X.500 because (Choose TWO correct answers.)

Options

  • AIt has a smaller set of operations.
  • BThe client and server communicate using the TCP/IP protocol stack.
  • CThe client and server communicate using the OSI protocol stack.
  • DLDAP supports Access Control Lists and X.500 does not.

How the community answered

(13 responses)
  • A
    92% (12)
  • C
    8% (1)

Why each option

LDAP is considered lightweight compared to X.500 primarily because it has a smaller set of operations and utilizes the TCP/IP protocol stack.

AIt has a smaller set of operations.Correct

X.500 defines a complex, extensive set of operations and data models, whereas LDAP was designed with a simplified, lightweight set of operations for common directory tasks, making it less complex to implement and use.

BThe client and server communicate using the TCP/IP protocol stack.Correct

X.500 relies on the full OSI protocol stack, which is complex and not widely adopted; LDAP, conversely, leverages the ubiquitous and simpler TCP/IP protocol stack, facilitating easier network integration.

CThe client and server communicate using the OSI protocol stack.

LDAP's lightweight nature stems from *not* using the complex OSI protocol stack, but rather the simpler TCP/IP.

DLDAP supports Access Control Lists and X.500 does not.

Both LDAP and X.500 support Access Control Lists (ACLs); therefore, this is not a distinguishing factor for LDAP being lightweight.

Concept tested: LDAP vs X.500 differences

Source: https://www.openldap.org/faq/data/cache/200.html

Topics

#LDAP#X.500#Directory Services#Network Protocols

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