Meaning
A logical node in a security architecture evaluates access requests against a set of predefined rules and requirements. These policy decision points act as the brain of an authorization system, determining whether a user or service has the right to perform a specific action. The node receives information about the subject, the resource and the environment before issuing a permit or deny command.
Authorization Logic
Complex environments require a centralized way to manage permissions across different applications. Within the framework of policy decision points, administrators can change a rule in one place and have it take effect everywhere.
Network Integration
Efficient communication between the enforcement site and the decision site is necessary for a smooth operation. While policy decision points hold the logic, they rely on policy enforcement points to actually block or allow the traffic. This separation of duties allows the logic to be more sophisticated without slowing down the data path.
System Response
Latency becomes a factor when every request must be checked against a central authority. To keep the speed of the network high, policy decision points often use caching or high-performance databases to retrieve rules. If the decision takes too long, it can disrupt the flow of business and cause frustration.
The availability of the node is a prerequisite for system security.