OFCS (Offline Charging System)

A telecom charging system that processes usage data after the service event has occurred (post-processing). OFCS collects Call Detail Records (CDRs) from network elements via Diameter Rf or file transfer, aggregates and correlates usage data, and generates billing records for postpaid subscribers. Unlike OCS, OFCS does not perform real-time credit control or session authorization.

Categories: Radio Access NetworkSignalingIdentity and Subscriber

OFCS 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.

Signaling protocols carry the control-plane instructions that set up calls, register subscribers, hand over sessions and route SMS. SS7, Diameter, GTP-C and SIP are the four dominant families, and interconnect exposure of any of them is treated by GSMA FS.11 / FS.19 / FS.20 as a top-tier telecom risk.

To place OFCS in the wider telecom-security picture, review OCS, AAA, UMTS, GTP-C Spoofing, Rogue Base Station (Fake BTS) and Zeek.

Related terms

Equipment

Policy and charging (PCRF, PCF, CHF, OCS, OFCS)

Articles in the P1 mobile network security guide

Related topic hubs

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