RANAP (Radio Access Network Application Part)

RANAP in context

The radio access network is where mobile devices attach to the operator's infrastructure. Attacks in this layer include IMSI catching, rogue base stations and downgrade attacks; defenses rest on mutual authentication, integrity-protected signaling and Open RAN supply-chain hygiene.

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.

To place RANAP in the wider telecom-security picture, review S1AP, IPsec, Patch Management, 5G Reference Points, IMS-AKA and N2: each entry cross-references back to this page so you can walk the topic in either direction.

Related terms

• S1AP
• IPsec
• Patch Management
• 5G Reference Points
• IMS-AKA
• N2
• AMF
• CSCF

Related topic hubs

• SS7 Security SS7/MAP/CAP/SCCP attacks and defenses across 2G/3G interconnect.
• Signaling Firewall Unified SS7/Diameter/GTP/SMS signaling firewall framework.
• SS7 Firewall GSMA FS.11 category 1/2/3 SS7 message screening at the STP edge.
• SS7 Penetration Testing Interconnect pentest methodology for SS7 signaling.

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.