Apache Knox Gateway Overview
The Apache Knox Gateway (“Knox”) is a system to extend the reach of Apache™Hadoop® services to users outside of a Hadoop cluster without reducing Hadoop Security. Knox also simplifies Hadoop security for users who access the cluster data and execute jobs.
Knox integrates with Identity Management and SSO systems used in enterprises and allows identity from these systems be used for access to Hadoop clusters.
Knox Gateways provides security for multiple Hadoop clusters, with these advantages:
Simplifies access: Extends Hadoop’s REST/HTTP services by encapsulating Kerberos to within the Cluster.
Enhances security: Exposes Hadoop’s REST/HTTP services without revealing network details, providing SSL out of the box.
Centralized control: Enforces REST API security centrally, routing requests to multiple Hadoop clusters.
Enterprise integration: Supports LDAP, Active Directory, SSO, SAML and other authentication systems.
Typical Security Flow: Firewall, Routed Through Knox Gateway
Knox can be used with both unsecured Hadoop clusters, and Kerberos secured clusters. In an enterprise solution that employs Kerberos secured clusters, the Apache Knox Gateway provides an enterprise security solution that:
Integrates well with enterprise identity management solutions
Protects the details of the Hadoop cluster deployment (hosts and ports are hidden from end users)
Simplifies the number of services with which a client needs to interact