# Requesting Merlin Accounts

## Requesting Access to Merlin6

In the past, access to the public Merlin6 cluster was regulated via the `svc-cluster_merlin6` group, which is no longer in use.
Merlin6 has become a private cluster, and to request access, **users must now be members of one of the Unix groups authorized to use it**, including Gwendolen.

Requests for Merlin6 access must be submitted using the [Request Linux Group Membership](https://psi.service-now.com/psisp?id=psi_new_sc_cat_item&sys_id=84f2c0c81b04f110679febd9bb4bcbb1) form, available in the [PSI ServiceNow Service Catalog](https://psi.service-now.com/psisp). Access is granted by requesting membership in a Unix group that is permitted to use the cluster.

![Example: Requesting access to Merlin6](../../images/Access/01-request-merlin6-membership.png)

### Mandatory fields

The following fields must be completed:

* **Order Access for user**: Defaults to the currently logged-in user. Access may also be requested on behalf of another user.
* **Request membership for group**: Select a valid Unix group that has access to Merlin6.
* **Justification**: Provide a brief explanation of why access to this group is required.

Once the request is submitted, the corresponding group administrators will review and approve it as soon as possible (typically within a few working hours). After approval, it may take up to 30 minutes for the account to be fully configured and access to become effective.

## Further documentation

Additional information is available in the Linux Central Documentation:

* [Unix Group / Group Management for users](https://linux.psi.ch/documentation/services/user-guide/unix_groups.html)
* [Unix Group / Group Management for group managers](https://linux.psi.ch/documentation/services/admin-guide/unix_groups.html)