FS.36 (5G Interconnect Security Guidelines)

In telecom networks, GSMA FS.36 provides operator guidelines for securing the 5G interconnect, covering SEPP deployment, PRINS configuration, IPX provider modifications, certificate management, and incident handling between roaming partners. It complements signaling security documents such as FS.07 (SS7), FS.11, and FS.19 (Diameter).

Categories: SignalingRoaming and InterconnectSecurity Controls

FS.36 in context

Signaling protocols carry the control-plane instructions that set up calls, register subscribers, hand over sessions and route SMS. SS7, Diameter, GTP-C and SIP are the four dominant families, and interconnect exposure of any of them is treated by GSMA FS.11 / FS.19 / FS.20 as a top-tier telecom risk.

Roaming and interconnect are where two operators, often with an IPX or GRX carrier in between, exchange signaling and user-plane traffic. Trust boundaries here are the primary attack surface for location tracking, SMS interception and fraud, which is why GSMA now mandates SEPP with PRINS on 5G interconnect.

To place FS.36 in the wider telecom-security picture, review N32 Interface (5G), N32 Tampering, Diameter Interconnect Security, FASG, Integrity and SS7 Interconnect Security.

Related terms

Related topic hubs

  • Roaming Security IPX/GRX interconnect risk, home-routed vs local-breakout, SEPP.
  • Signaling Firewall Unified SS7/Diameter/GTP/SMS signaling firewall framework.
  • 5G Security 5G SBA, SEPP, SUCI, 5G-AKA, N32 and service-based interface security.
  • SS7 Firewall GSMA FS.11 category 1/2/3 SS7 message screening at the STP edge.

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