IPX (IP Packet Exchange)

The IP Packet eXchange is the GSMA-specified evolution of GRX, providing a managed, SLA-backed IP backbone for inter-operator signalling and user-plane traffic. IPX supports SS7-over-IP (SIGTRAN), Diameter, GTP, SIP, and 5G N32 traffic, and is the recommended transport for 5G roaming. IPX carriers also offer value-added services such as DEA hosting and signalling firewalling.

Categories: Radio Access NetworkCore NetworkSignaling

IPX 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 IPX in the wider telecom-security picture, review IAP, IPsec, IMS-AKA, Fuzzing, Inter-PLMN Security and TEID: each entry cross-references back to this page so you can walk the topic in either direction.

Related terms

Related topic hubs

  • Signaling Firewall Unified SS7/Diameter/GTP/SMS signaling firewall framework.
  • GTP Security GTP-C/GTP-U threats across S5/S8, N3/N9 and GRX/IPX borders under GSMA FS.20.
  • Diameter Security 4G/LTE Diameter threats across IPX/roaming and DEA defenses.
  • Diameter Firewall GSMA FS.19 screening at the Diameter Edge Agent on S6a/S9/S13.

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.