> Source: [sk112473](https://support.checkpoint.com/results/sk/sk112473)

# sk112473 - "Failed to bind to LDAP server" warning in SmartDashboard when trying to bind to Apple Open Directory server

| Property | Value |
|----------|-------|
| Solution ID | sk112473 |
| Date Created | 2016-07-19 |
| Last Modified | 2016-07-23 |
| Technical Level | General |
| Products | Security Gateway |
| Versions | R82.10, R82, R81.20 |

## Symptoms

- Attempt to bind to Apple Open Directory LDAP server fails with the following warning in SmartDashboard:

`Binding to LDAP server:`  
`
Failed to bind to LDAP server`
[![](https://sc1.checkpoint.com/sc/SolutionsStatics/NEW_SK_NOID1468975353918/image0011607191751.jpg)](https://sc1.checkpoint.com/sc/SolutionsStatics/NEW_SK_NOID1468975353918/image0011607191751.jpg "Click the image to see it in full size in a new tab/window")

## Cause

Check Point Security Management Server / Multi-Domain Security Management Server does not support the LDAP Libraries used by Apple Open Directory.

## Solution

For Identity Awareness, there are alternative options, such as Captive Portal and Identity Awareness Agent.

For ADQuery, the recommended configuration includes the use of Microsoft Active Directory LDAP deployment.

**Related documentation:**

* Identity Awareness Administration Guide ([R75](http://supportcontent.checkpoint.com/documentation_download?id=11662), [R75.20](http://supportcontent.checkpoint.com/documentation_download?id=12268), [R75.40](http://supportcontent.checkpoint.com/documentation_download?id=13947), [R75.40VS](http://supportcontent.checkpoint.com/documentation_download?id=16185), [R76](http://supportcontent.checkpoint.com/documentation_download?id=22914), [R77](http://supportcontent.checkpoint.com/documentation_download?id=24805), [R80](http://supportcontent.checkpoint.com/documentation_download?id=46529))
* [sk88520 - Best Practices - Identity Awareness Large Scale Deployment](https://supportcenter.checkpoint.com/supportcenter/portal?eventSubmit_doGoviewsolutiondetails=&solutionid=sk88520)
* [sk86441 - ATRG: Identity Awareness](https://supportcenter.checkpoint.com/supportcenter/portal?eventSubmit_doGoviewsolutiondetails=&solutionid=sk86441)

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