LDAP Authentication Issue

[sjt4423]

Can you tell me (or point me to documentation) that tells me the partition/replica requirements for LDAP chaining to work properly? or, at least, prevent LDAP authentication from breaking whenever a partition is down?
Actually, if there is any extensive LDAP documentation out there (primarily for nldap), that would be very helpful as well.
Also, from your reply, I'm still not sure why you feel referrals are not preferrable. Where do I find the documentation on setting up the Best Practice settings for referrals?

Thank you,
Steve