E2 Interface (O-RAN Near-RT RIC to E2 Node Interface)
Also known as: E2
The E2 interface is the O-RAN control-plane interface between the Near-RT RIC and E2 nodes (O-CU, O-DU, eNBs). It carries E2AP (application protocol) messages and E2SM service-model payloads that let xApps subscribe to RAN measurements, report events and issue control actions. E2 protection (mutual TLS, authentication, integrity) is mandatory to prevent a compromised RIC or xApp from arbitrarily reconfiguring the RAN.
Categories: Radio Access Network
E2 Interface 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.
To place E2 Interface in the wider telecom-security picture, review 1G, 2G, 5G, 5G SA, 5G NSA and 5GNR — each entry cross-references back to this page so you can walk the topic in either direction.
Related terms
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Browse the full TelcoSec Glossary, the Ultimate Guide to Mobile Network Security, or the P1 Arsenal of telecom-security tools.