5G • Security
PRINS
PRotocol for N32 Interconnect Security
Rel-16 application-layer security protocol providing hop-by-hop and end-to-end protection for inter-PLMN roaming signaling over N32-f.
Technical Explanation
PRINS runs across the N32-f (forwarding) interface between SEPP gateways. It applies JSON Web Encryption (JWE) and JSON Web Signature (JWS) to protect sensitive subscriber profile payloads end-to-end, while explicitly allowing intermediate IPX transit carriers to inspect and modify only non-sensitive routing headers ("modifiable IEs") without invalidating the digital signature over the protected payload.
Key Functions
- Provides application-layer, hop-aware encryption for inter-PLMN roaming messages
- Employs JSON Web Encryption (JWE) and JSON Web Signature (JWS) across the N32-f interface
- Enables intermediate transit carrier routing edits without compromising subscriber privacy or message integrity
Specifications
3GPP TS 33.501, TS 29.573
Interfaces
N32-f
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