Which protocol centralizes information about clients and objects on a network?

Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) is designed specifically for accessing and maintaining distributed directory information services over an Internet Protocol (IP) network. It centralizes information about clients (users) and objects (such as devices or resources) on a network, allowing administrators to efficiently manage and authenticate these entities.

LDAP provides a structured means to organize and retrieve directory information, enabling various applications to access user profiles, group memberships, and related attributes. Its hierarchical model organizes data in a way that reflects its relationships, making it easier for both users and administrators to interact with that data.

This protocol is commonly used for directory services, which often serve as a foundation for other services like authentication and identity management, reinforcing its central role in managing information within a network environment.