In this chapter, we review the security techniques that protect LTE against attacks from intruders. The most important issue is network access security, which protects the mobile's communications with the network across the air interface. In the first part of this chapter, we cover the architecture of network access security, the procedures that establish secure communications between the network and mobile, and the security techniques that are subsequently used. The system must also secure certain types of communication within the radio access network and the evolved packet core. This issue is known as network domain security and is the subject of the second part.
The 3GPP security procedures are covered by the 33 series specifications: those for LTE are summarized in TS 33.401 [1]. As in the last chapter, the details of the individual messages are in the specifications for the relevant signalling protocols [2–5]. For a detailed account of security in LTE, see Reference [6].
12.1 Network Access Security
12.1.1 Security Architecture
Network access security (Figure 12.1) protects the mobile's communications with the network across the air interface, which is the most vulnerable part of the system. It does this using four main techniques.
During authentication, the network and mobile confirm each ...
Become an O’Reilly member and get unlimited access to this title plus top books and audiobooks from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers, thousands of courses curated by job role, 150+ live events each month, and much more.
O’Reilly covers everything we've got, with content to help us build a world-class technology community, upgrade the capabilities and competencies of our teams, and improve overall team performance as well as their engagement.
Julian F.
Head of Cybersecurity
I wanted to learn C and C++, but it didn't click for me until I picked up an O'Reilly book. When I went on the O’Reilly platform, I was astonished to find all the books there, plus live events and sandboxes so you could play around with the technology.
Addison B.
Field Engineer
I’ve been on the O’Reilly platform for more than eight years. I use a couple of learning platforms, but I'm on O'Reilly more than anybody else. When you're there, you start learning. I'm never disappointed.
Amir M.
Data Platform Tech Lead
I'm always learning. So when I got on to O'Reilly, I was like a kid in a candy store. There are playlists. There are answers. There's on-demand training. It's worth its weight in gold, in terms of what it allows me to do.
O’Reilly covers everything we've got, with content to help us build a world-class technology community, upgrade the capabilities and competencies of our teams, and improve overall team performance as well as their engagement.
