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5G NG Identities (UE and Network Identifiers)

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User Equipment (UE) Identifiers:

  1. International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI):
    • Description: IMSI is a unique identifier assigned to each subscriber in a mobile network. It is composed of the Mobile Country Code (MCC), Mobile Network Code (MNC), and Mobile Subscriber Identification Number (MSIN).
    • Usage in 5G: IMSI is still used in 5G for UE identification, just as in previous generations.
  2. Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (TMSI):
    • Description: TMSI is a temporary identifier assigned to a UE by the network to enhance security and privacy. It is used instead of the IMSI in various communication procedures to prevent eavesdropping.
    • Usage in 5G: TMSI continues to be used in 5G for privacy protection.
  3. 5G Globally Unique Temporary Identity (5G-GUTI):
    • Description: 5G-GUTI is a new identity introduced in 5G to enhance privacy. It consists of the PLMN ID (PLMN Identifier) and a 5G Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (5G-TMSI).
    • Usage in 5G: 5G-GUTI is used for identification and routing of UEs within the 5G system.

Network Identifiers:

  1. PLMN ID (PLMN Identifier):
    • Description: PLMN ID uniquely identifies a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) and is composed of the Mobile Country Code (MCC) and the Mobile Network Code (MNC).
    • Usage in 5G: PLMN ID is crucial for identifying the network to which a UE belongs.
  2. AMF (Authentication Management Field) Identity:
    • Description: AMF is a part of the 5G core network responsible for security-related functions. The AMF Identity is used to uniquely identify the AMF within the PLMN.
    • Usage in 5G: AMF Identity is employed for security and authentication procedures.
  3. SMF (Session Management Function) Identity:
    • Description: SMF is responsible for session management in the 5G core network. The SMF Identity uniquely identifies the SMF within the PLMN.
    • Usage in 5G: SMF Identity is used for managing data sessions in the 5G network.
  4. UPF (User Plane Function) Identity:
    • Description: UPF is responsible for the user plane functionality, handling the data packets in the 5G network. The UPF Identity uniquely identifies the UPF within the PLMN.
    • Usage in 5G: UPF Identity is employed for routing user plane data within the 5G network.

5G NG identities for UEs and network elements play a crucial role in ensuring secure and efficient communication within the 5G network. These identifiers are used in various protocols and procedures to facilitate the establishment and maintenance of connections while addressing privacy and security concerns.