Security-Oriented Network-As-Code Solutions for Access Control in Healthcare Facilities : A Case Study of Nokia Corporation
Heikkilä, Pauli; Hänninen, Isa; Palomäki, Harri (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025120131328
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025120131328
Tiivistelmä
The thesis provided solutions for Network-As-Code based access control focusing on the aspects of security. The purpose was to provide a layer of extra security that utilizes 5G networks, and that can be implemented on existing access control systems. The work was commissioned by Nokia, and its intention was to offer additional use cases for Network-As-Code technology.
The model presented demonstrates an access control method, where a physical access token is combined with device location in a private 5G network. This is combined with network-as-code, to provide flexibility and enhanced security in managing dynamic access permissions across the private 5G network.
The thesis was undertaken as part of a dedicated five-day long service design sprint for Nokia, during which valuable feedback was provided by both Nokia representatives and the supervising teachers. Other research methods used in this study included benchmarking existing similar solutions and surveying personnel in healthcare facilities to gather important background information. The survey conducted for healthcare personnel revealed concerns in access control security but also demonstrated trust towards the current solution. Benchmarking revealed the lack of similar solutions, making it possible to implement this solution on top of the existing ones.
A theoretical prototype was designed and presented to demonstrate the functionality of this solution, and the explanation was visualised in multiple story boards. These story boards covered the functionality of the solution and the way it works for the user.
The work provides insights into the future of access control security. It is recommended that in the future this prototype should be further developed into a functional one, and the concept can be broadened to cover other fields as well.
The model presented demonstrates an access control method, where a physical access token is combined with device location in a private 5G network. This is combined with network-as-code, to provide flexibility and enhanced security in managing dynamic access permissions across the private 5G network.
The thesis was undertaken as part of a dedicated five-day long service design sprint for Nokia, during which valuable feedback was provided by both Nokia representatives and the supervising teachers. Other research methods used in this study included benchmarking existing similar solutions and surveying personnel in healthcare facilities to gather important background information. The survey conducted for healthcare personnel revealed concerns in access control security but also demonstrated trust towards the current solution. Benchmarking revealed the lack of similar solutions, making it possible to implement this solution on top of the existing ones.
A theoretical prototype was designed and presented to demonstrate the functionality of this solution, and the explanation was visualised in multiple story boards. These story boards covered the functionality of the solution and the way it works for the user.
The work provides insights into the future of access control security. It is recommended that in the future this prototype should be further developed into a functional one, and the concept can be broadened to cover other fields as well.