Access Control Issues and Solutions for Large Sites

The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) operates an automated access control system consisting of more than 100 portals. We have gained considerable practical experience in the issues involved in operating this large system, and have identified the central issues to include system reliability, the large user population, the need for central control, constant change, high visibility and the budget. This paper outlines these issues and draws from our experience to discuss some fruitful ways of addressing them.