Physical Access Control Using Network as Code : A Case Study of Nokia Corporation
Kuivanen, Pauli; Mättö, Riku; Rantanen, Lauri; Tran, Timo (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025120231437
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025120231437
Tiivistelmä
The thesis aims to answer the design challenge “Network as Code anywhere”, provided by the client company, Nokia Corporation. Network as Code or NaC is a set of features which enable programmatic 5G or fifth-generation evolution of mobile networks in a simplified manner, without the need for specialized network programming skills.
The thesis was done using the Design Sprint methodology, with the design part conducted in a five-day Sprint. The knowledge base used for creation of the resulting concept consists of research conducted in the form of a survey, informal feedback from potential end-users, and benchmarking existing solutions, as well as studying the technical requirements for such solution, including 5G Networks and 5G-Advanced Networks, NaC as well as the APIs or Application Programmable Interfaces, functionality available within NaC, and GNSS or Global Navigation Satellite Systems location services among others.
Based on results of benchmarking and the survey, it became apparent that in many places today, physical access control solutions rely on old, insecure and non-flexible systems which require physical keycards or keyfobs which are easy to lose, and which do not allow for much flexibility in changing environments.
The result of the sprint was a concept of a scalable, secure and dynamic physical access control solution utilizing Network as Code and advanced 5G features. The solution aims to modernize physical access control, and provide an easy, keyless way for users to request access on an on-need basis, from an application on their mobile device. The concept was portrayed in an interactable prototype, which follows a user on their journey using the application from authenticating their device, requesting access, to automatic revocation of access.
Keywords: Physical Access Control, 5G Network, Network as Code, Nokia, Design Sprint
The thesis was done using the Design Sprint methodology, with the design part conducted in a five-day Sprint. The knowledge base used for creation of the resulting concept consists of research conducted in the form of a survey, informal feedback from potential end-users, and benchmarking existing solutions, as well as studying the technical requirements for such solution, including 5G Networks and 5G-Advanced Networks, NaC as well as the APIs or Application Programmable Interfaces, functionality available within NaC, and GNSS or Global Navigation Satellite Systems location services among others.
Based on results of benchmarking and the survey, it became apparent that in many places today, physical access control solutions rely on old, insecure and non-flexible systems which require physical keycards or keyfobs which are easy to lose, and which do not allow for much flexibility in changing environments.
The result of the sprint was a concept of a scalable, secure and dynamic physical access control solution utilizing Network as Code and advanced 5G features. The solution aims to modernize physical access control, and provide an easy, keyless way for users to request access on an on-need basis, from an application on their mobile device. The concept was portrayed in an interactable prototype, which follows a user on their journey using the application from authenticating their device, requesting access, to automatic revocation of access.
Keywords: Physical Access Control, 5G Network, Network as Code, Nokia, Design Sprint