IP (Internet Protocol)

The Internet Protocol routes packets between hosts across interconnected networks. IPv4 (RFC 791, 1981) provides 32-bit addresses; IPv6 (RFC 8200) extends addressing to 128 bits and is mandatory for new mobile network deployments. IP is connectionless and best-effort; reliability and ordering are added by higher-layer protocols such as TCP and QUIC.

Categories: Roaming and InterconnectProtocols and StandardsOperations and Business

IP in context

Roaming and interconnect are where two operators 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.

Telecom security is written into standards from 3GPP, GSMA, ETSI, IETF and ITU-T. Understanding which body owns which specification, and how they interlock, is essential for both design and audit work.

To place IP in the wider telecom-security picture, review 3GPP, Charging System, eSIM (Embedded SIM, eUICC), GSMA Permanent Reference Documents (IR Series), MAC Address and Patch — each entry cross-references back to this page so you can walk the topic in either direction.

Related terms

More from the TelcoSec Glossary

Browse the full TelcoSec Glossary, the Ultimate Guide to Mobile Network Security, or the P1 Arsenal of telecom-security tools.