PCF (Policy Control Function)

PCF in context

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.

Telecom security is written into standards from 3GPP, GSMA, ETSI, IETF and ITU-T. Understanding which body owns which specification, and how they interlock, is essential for both design and audit work.

To place PCF in the wider telecom-security picture, review Rx Interface, BSF, CHF, PFCP, AMF and Charging System: each entry cross-references back to this page so you can walk the topic in either direction.

Related terms

• Rx Interface
• BSF
• CHF
• PFCP
• AMF
• Charging System
• Patch
• PDN

Related topic hubs

• 5G NEF Security Network Exposure Function security in the 5G core.
• Roaming Security IPX/GRX interconnect risk, home-routed vs local-breakout, SEPP.
• 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.

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.