A new role hierarchy model for RBAC (role-based access control) is presented and its features are illustrated through examples. Some new concepts such as private permission, public permission and special permission are introduced, based on the RRA97 model. Some new role-role inheriting forms such as normal inheritance, private inheritance, public inheritance and special-without inheritance are defined. Based on the ideas mentioned, the new role hierarchy model is formulated. It is easier and more comprehensible to describe role-role relationships through the new model than through the traditional ones. The new model is closer to the real world and its mechanism is more powerful. Particularly it is more suitable when used in large-scale role hierarchies.
