Layered Resource Representation in Grid Environment: An Example from VEGA Grid

Resource discovery in wide-area distributed environments is a great challenge for the large quantity and volatility of resources. To solve this problem, mechanisms effectively representing resources are very necessary. In this paper, a resource representation scheme is proposed, which embodies the principles of VEGA Grid. This scheme is designed for routing-transferring model that is implemented as the resource discovery mechanism in VEGA Grid. The scheme is based on a three-layer model: the top user layer, on which specialized representation can be deployed according to the demand of users; the middle router layer, on which resource routers work for globally resource discovery; and the bottom provider layer for providers to publish their resources. We explain our choices of resource representations in each of these layers, and evaluate the usability, scalability and performance of the approach.