Astrid Valdivieso I Marketing Manager I December 5, 2024
5G networks are rapidly changing how we communicate, and with these changes come new challenges in keeping our data safe and ensuring different networks can work together seamlessly. This is where the Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP) comes in. SEPP is a crucial part of 5G networks that's changing the game for mobile operators, especially when it comes to roaming. In simpler terms, SEPP is like a security guard and translator rolled into one, helping to keep our mobile communications safe and smooth as we move between different networks. Let's explore what SEPP is all about and why it's so important for the future of how we use our mobile devices.
What is SEPP?
SEPP, or Security Edge Protection Proxy, serves as a gateway between different operators' networks for roaming purposes in 5G core networks. It's designed to provide a secure, interoperable, and scalable pathway for HTTP/2 signaling within a negotiated security context.
Key Features of Titan.ium SEPP
Titan.ium SEPP is a leading implementation of the SEPP concept, offering a range of features that make it stand out:
- Standards-Based 5G Core Interconnectivity: Fully compliant with 3GPP and GSMA specifications, ensuring interoperability with other vendors' 5G core Network Functions (NFs), Service Communication Proxies (SCPs), and SEPPs.
- N32 Control Interface: Used for security handshake negotiation between 5G core signaling networks, as specified by 3GPP TS 29.573.
- N32 Forwarding: Ensures messages are only forwarded to the connected 5G core or remote PLMN SEPP for established security contexts.
- Flexible Message Routing: Implements highly flexible routing based on customizable rules, allowing any HTTP/2 information element to be used in routing decisions.
- Message Screening: Operators can establish Black- or Whitelists using any information element in incoming requests for screening purposes.
- TDR Generation: Supports configurable generation of Transaction Detail Records (TDRs) for inbound and/or outbound messages.
Benefits of Titan.ium SEPP
- Secure Interconnection: Provides standards-compliant secure interconnection between home and visited 5G PLMNs, supporting both direct MNO-MNO interconnections and hosted SEPP scenarios.
- Configuration Flexibility: Powered by Titan.ium's dissector-based rules engine, allowing for project-specific rules for message transformation, re-routing, or filtering.
- Cloud-Native Architecture: Delivered on the high-performance cloud-native Titan.ium platform, offering automated scaling, efficient resource use, and strong security.
- Multi-Tenancy Support: Can be deployed on behalf of a group of operators, as foreseen by GSMA 5GMRR for hosted and outsourced SEPP deployment models.
Why SEPP Matters for 5G Roaming
As 5G networks continue to expand globally, the need for secure and efficient roaming solutions becomes increasingly critical. SEPP addresses this need by:
- Ensuring secure communication between different operators' networks
- Validating and screening messages before forwarding them to the 5G core
- Providing mutual TLS security and context validation
- Supporting flexible deployment options to meet various operator needs
By providing a secure, flexible, and standards-compliant solution, SEPP is enabling mobile operators to offer seamless and safe roaming experiences to their customers in the 5G era.