N2 Reference Point

N2 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 N2 in the wider telecom-security picture, review NGAP, AMF, S1AP, RANAP, N3 and SC.

Related terms

• NGAP
• AMF
• S1AP
• RANAP
• N3
• SC
• N1
• N9

Related topic hubs

• 5G Security 5G SBA, SEPP, SUCI, 5G-AKA, N32 and service-based interface security.
• 5G Penetration Testing Pentesting the 5G core, SBA, SEPP, and gNB interfaces.
• LTE Security Training Training on 4G/LTE core, Diameter, NAS and RRC security.
• Tracking Area Update LTE TAU procedure and its signaling risks.

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.