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

The mobile core is where subscriber sessions, mobility and policy live. 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. Core exposure is the difference between a single-subscriber leak and a fleet-wide breach.

To place IPX in the wider telecom-security picture, review IAP, IPsec, IMS-AKA, Fuzzing, Inter-PLMN Security and TEID.

Related terms

Equipment

GRX/IPX edge, DNS and ENUM

Articles in the P1 mobile network security guide

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.