Grid Access Control Models and Architectures

Abstract

In recent years, grid computing has become the focal point of science and enterprise computer environments. Access control in grid computing systems is an active research area given the challenges and complex applications. First, a number of concepts and terminology related to the area of grid access control are provided. Next, an analysis of the Role Based Access Control (RBAC) and Usage Control ABC (UCONABC) models is given, due to their adaption from the grid computing systems. Additionally, a presentation of well known grid access control architectures illustrates how the theoretical access control models are implemented into mechanisms. In a comparative review of the examined access control models and mechanisms, their pros and cons are exposed. Apart from the mapping of the access control area in grid computer systems, the given comparison renders valuable information for further advancement of current approaches.