5G • Security
N32-c Interface
N32 Control-Plane (Handshake) Interface
The initial TLS-protected SEPP-to-SEPP interface used to negotiate PRINS security parameters before any roaming signaling is exchanged over N32-f.
Technical Explanation
Before two operators can exchange roaming traffic, their SEPPs establish an N32-c connection to perform mutual authentication and capability negotiation: TLS ciphersuites, supported data-plane security options (PRINS vs. plain TLS), and which Information Elements each IPX provider along the path is authorized to modify. Once this handshake completes, the SEPPs exchange a shared "Security Association" context ID and switch actual signaling traffic to the data-plane N32-f interface, where PRINS then applies message-level JWE/JWS protection.
Key Functions
- Performs mutual TLS-based authentication between visited and home network SEPPs
- Negotiates the N32-f data-plane protection method and modifiable-IE policy
- Establishes the Security Association context later referenced on N32-f
Specifications
3GPP TS 33.501, TS 29.573
Interfaces
N32-c
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