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SUCI (subscription concealed identifier)

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SUCI (Subscription Concealed Identifier) is a concept introduced in 5G (Fifth Generation) wireless networks to enhance user privacy and security. It is a unique identifier associated with a user's subscription in the network, used for authentication, authorization, and accounting purposes. The SUCI plays a crucial role in maintaining user privacy while allowing seamless connectivity and secure communication in 5G networks.

Functionality of SUCI:

The primary function of the SUCI is to identify and authenticate a user's subscription in the 5G network while concealing the user's permanent identity. The SUCI is generated by combining different elements and encryption mechanisms, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of the user's identity. The key functionalities of the SUCI include:

  1. Concealment of Permanent Identity: The SUCI is designed to conceal the user's permanent identity, such as the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), which is associated with the user's SIM card. By concealing the permanent identity, the user's privacy is protected, preventing unauthorized tracking or profiling.
  2. Generation and Composition: The SUCI is generated based on various parameters, including the home network, subscription profile, and random values. It is composed of two main components: the Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI) and the Subscription Concealed Identifier (SUCI). The SUPI is a non-encrypted portion that includes the user's permanent identity, while the SUCI is an encrypted portion that conceals the user's identity.
  3. Encryption and Security: The SUCI is encrypted to prevent unauthorized access or tampering. It utilizes encryption algorithms and cryptographic keys to protect the user's identity during transmission and storage. The encryption ensures that only authorized entities, such as the core network, can decrypt and access the user's identity.
  4. Authentication and Authorization: The SUCI is used for authentication and authorization processes in the 5G network. When a user initiates a connection request, the SUCI is provided to the network for verification. The network can then authenticate the user's subscription based on the SUCI and authorize the user's access to network services.

Composition of SUCI:

The SUCI is composed of two primary elements:

  1. Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI): The SUPI is a non-encrypted portion of the SUCI that represents the user's permanent identity. It typically includes the user's IMSI or other identifier associated with the subscription. The SUPI allows the network to uniquely identify the user's subscription and associate it with the appropriate subscriber profile.
  2. Subscription Concealed Identifier (SUCI): The SUCI is an encrypted portion of the SUCI that conceals the user's identity. It includes various elements, such as random values, encryption keys, and integrity protection mechanisms. The SUCI is generated by encrypting the SUPI and appending the necessary security-related information.

Benefits of SUCI:

The SUCI provides several benefits in 5G networks:

  1. User Privacy Protection: By concealing the user's permanent identity, the SUCI enhances user privacy and prevents unauthorized tracking or profiling. It ensures that user-related information remains confidential and is only accessible to authorized entities in the network.
  2. Enhanced Security: The encryption and security mechanisms employed in the SUCI ensure the integrity and confidentiality of the user's identity. It protects against identity theft, unauthorized access, and tampering of user-related information.
  3. Flexible Subscription Management: The SUCI allows for flexible subscription management. It enables the user to switch between different network operators while maintaining their privacy. The SUCI can be updated or re-encrypted when there are changes in the subscription or network configuration.
  4. Seamless Authentication and Authorization: The SUCI facilitates seamless authentication and authorization processes in 5G networks. It enables the network to verify the user's subscription without revealing the user's permanent identity, allowing for secure and efficient user authentication.

Conclusion:

The SUCI (Subscription Concealed Identifier) is a unique identifier used in 5G networks to authenticate and authorize user subscriptions while protecting user privacy. By concealing the user's permanent identity and employing encryption mechanisms, the SUCI enhances user privacy, strengthens security, and enables seamless authentication and authorization processes. The SUCI plays a vital role in maintaining user trust and ensuring secure communication in 5G networks.