ROA (Route Origin Authorization)

Also known as: Route Origin Authorisation

A ROA is a signed RPKI object binding an IP prefix and maximum prefix length to a single origin AS. Routers running RPKI-to-Router (RTR) consult ROA-derived validation state to accept, prefer or drop BGP announcements. Operators publish ROAs for their IPX/GRX ranges, SEPP and DEA IPs to prevent unauthorized ASes from originating those prefixes.

Categories: Security ControlsInternet and Routing

ROA in context

Security controls span signaling firewalls (SS7/Diameter/GTP screening), transport encryption (IPsec, TLS, PRINS), identity and access on OSS/BSS, and monitoring at both packet and log level. Controls are audited against GSMA FS.11/FS.19/FS.20/FS.36.

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

To place ROA in the wider telecom-security picture, review 3G, A5/1, ASN, Authorization, BGP Hijacking and Decryption — each entry cross-references back to this page so you can walk the topic in either direction.

Related terms

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