Digital Transformation through Unified Namespace : A Cyber Security Perspective
Hofmann, Eduardo (2025)
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202504227233
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202504227233
Tiivistelmä
The objective of this thesis was to investigate the implementation of Unified Namespace (UNS) as a framework for digital transformation in industrial environments, with emphasis on technical performance and cybersecurity implications. The research aimed to determine how UNS enables digital transformation across mixed technology generations, evaluate the performance of different MQTT broker implementations, identify cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and explore how organizations can balance technical performance with security requirements.
The study was conducted using a multi-faceted approach combining case studies, expert interviews, laboratory testing, and global field benchmarking. A comprehensive case study at Thales DIS Finland examined the practical application of UNS in a manufacturing environment. Laboratory testing of seven MQTT brokers established baseline performance metrics, while field testing across global networks assessed real-world performance characteristics. Interviews with industry experts provided contextual understanding of implementation challenges and market adoption trends.
Results showed that UNS provides a flexible architectural pattern capable of integrating technologies spanning multiple generations through microservices bridging legacy systems with modern digital platforms. Network architecture decisions were found to have greater impact on system performance than broker selection, with a 25-fold performance difference observed between different network configurations using identical hardware. Field testing revealed that multi-threaded brokers offer throughput advantages in high-bandwidth environments, while single-threaded implementations provide superior connection stability. Significant cybersecurity challenges were identified, including expanded attack surfaces created by IT/OT convergence and security vulnerabilities introduced when integrating legacy systems.
It was concluded that organizations implementing UNS should prioritize network design, invest in education on UNS concepts, carefully select brokers based on specific organizational requirements, implement security measures from the beginning of the design process, and establish clear governance structures spanning IT and OT domains. While technical and security challenges exist, they are addressable through thoughtful planning. Organizations that begin this journey now, despite its difficulties, position themselves advantageously for an increasingly connected industrial future.
The study was conducted using a multi-faceted approach combining case studies, expert interviews, laboratory testing, and global field benchmarking. A comprehensive case study at Thales DIS Finland examined the practical application of UNS in a manufacturing environment. Laboratory testing of seven MQTT brokers established baseline performance metrics, while field testing across global networks assessed real-world performance characteristics. Interviews with industry experts provided contextual understanding of implementation challenges and market adoption trends.
Results showed that UNS provides a flexible architectural pattern capable of integrating technologies spanning multiple generations through microservices bridging legacy systems with modern digital platforms. Network architecture decisions were found to have greater impact on system performance than broker selection, with a 25-fold performance difference observed between different network configurations using identical hardware. Field testing revealed that multi-threaded brokers offer throughput advantages in high-bandwidth environments, while single-threaded implementations provide superior connection stability. Significant cybersecurity challenges were identified, including expanded attack surfaces created by IT/OT convergence and security vulnerabilities introduced when integrating legacy systems.
It was concluded that organizations implementing UNS should prioritize network design, invest in education on UNS concepts, carefully select brokers based on specific organizational requirements, implement security measures from the beginning of the design process, and establish clear governance structures spanning IT and OT domains. While technical and security challenges exist, they are addressable through thoughtful planning. Organizations that begin this journey now, despite its difficulties, position themselves advantageously for an increasingly connected industrial future.