DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions)

DNSSEC (RFC 4033-4035) adds origin authentication and integrity to DNS responses using chained public-key signatures (DNSKEY, RRSIG, DS). It protects operator-facing infrastructure — NRF discovery FQDNs, SEPP N32 endpoints, IMS I-CSCF/P-CSCF lookup, ENUM — from cache-poisoning and off-path spoofing attacks. Does not provide confidentiality.

Categories: Radio Access NetworkCore NetworkSignaling

DNSSEC in context

The radio access network is where mobile devices attach to the operator's infrastructure. Attacks in this layer include IMSI catching, rogue base stations and downgrade attacks; defenses rest on mutual authentication, integrity-protected signaling and Open RAN supply-chain hygiene.

The mobile core carries subscriber sessions, mobility and policy. In 4G it is the EPC (MME, HSS, S/PGW); in 5G it is the Service-Based Architecture with AMF, SMF, UPF, AUSF, UDM and the NRF.

To place DNSSEC in the wider telecom-security picture, review 5G SA, AMF, Base Station (BS), Capacity Planning, CAPEX and CSCF — each entry cross-references back to this page so you can walk the topic in either direction.

Related terms

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