Midhaul

Midhaul 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 Midhaul in the wider telecom-security picture, review IPsec, Inter-Network Function Authentication, SMO, IMS-AKA, Confidentiality and Diameter.

Related terms

• IPsec
• Inter-Network Function Authentication
• SMO
• IMS-AKA
• Confidentiality
• Diameter
• HTTP
• OAuth2 in 5G Core

Equipment

O-RAN units and RIC (O-RU, O-DU, O-CU, RIC, SMO)

• A1 Interface
• Cloud RAN
• E2 Interface
• Fronthaul
• Near-RT RIC
• Non-RT RIC
• O-Cloud
• O-CU
• O-DU
• O-RAN Alliance
• All 21 terms

Articles in the P1 mobile network security guide

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.