LDAP, or Lightweight Directory Access Protocol, is a protocol used to access and manage directory information over a network. It allows users to query and modify directory services, which store information about users, groups, and resources in a structured format. This makes it easier for organizations to manage user authentication and authorization. LDAP is commonly used in enterprise environments to centralize user management. It supports various authentication methods and can integrate with other systems, such as Active Directory and OpenLDAP. By using LDAP, organizations can streamline access control and improve security across their networks.