PEI (Permanent Equipment Identifier)

PEI in context

Subscriber identifiers (IMSI, SUPI, MSISDN, IMEI) are the anchor for authentication, charging, lawful interception and fraud analytics. Any protocol or interface that leaks a permanent identifier is treated as a serious privacy defect, which is why 5G introduced SUCI concealment on the air interface.

Telecom networks depend on Internet-style routing (BGP, DNS, MPLS) for interconnect, transport and application delivery. Route hijacks and DNS abuse can degrade or intercept signaling as easily as any application-layer attack, which is why RPKI and DNSSEC are now standard hardening for carrier networks.

To place PEI in the wider telecom-security picture, review Demarcation Point (Demarc), Endpoint, IMEI, TAC, SIM Box and IP Address.

Related terms

• Demarcation Point (Demarc)
• Endpoint
• IMEI
• TAC
• SIM Box
• IP Address
• Network Slicing
• PGW

Related topic hubs

• 5G Security 5G SBA, SEPP, SUCI, 5G-AKA, N32 and service-based interface security.
• 5G NEF Security Network Exposure Function security in the 5G core.
• 5G Penetration Testing Pentesting the 5G core, SBA, SEPP, and gNB interfaces.
• 5G Security Training Training on 5G core, SBA, N32, SUCI and radio security.

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.