# MinIO FIPS Builds

MinIO creates FIPS builds using a patched version of the Go compiler (that uses BoringCrypto, from BoringSSL, which is [FIPS 140-2 validated](https://csrc.nist.gov/csrc/media/projects/cryptographic-module-validation-program/documents/security-policies/140sp2964.pdf)) published by the Golang Team [here](https://github.com/golang/go/tree/dev.boringcrypto/misc/boring).

- MinIO also supports expansion of existing clusters in server pools. Each pool is a self contained entity with same SLA's (read/write quorum) for each object as original cluster. By using the existing namespace for lookup validation MinIO ensures conflicting objects are not created. When no such object exists then MinIO simply uses the least used pool to place new objects.

### There are no limits on how many server pools can be combined

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The server address variable is _required_. TLS is assumed to be on by default. The port in the server address is optional and defaults to 636 if not provided.

**MinIO sends LDAP credentials to the LDAP server for validation. So we _strongly recommend_ to use MinIO with AD/LDAP server over TLS or StartTLS _only_. Using plain-text connection between MinIO and LDAP server means _credentials can be compromised_ by anyone listening to network traffic.**