The journey from 5G to 5G Core and onwards to 5G Core Dynamic is a significant leap in telecommunications, offering faster speeds, lower latency, and new capabilities. However, this progress also brings challenges for lawful interception. This article explores the advancements in 5G technology and outlines five key challenges for lawful interception.
The journey from 5G to 5G Core and onwards to 5G Core Dynamic is a significant leap in telecommunications, offering faster speeds, lower latency, and new capabilities. However, this progress also brings challenges for lawful interception. This article explores the advancements in 5G technology and outlines five key challenges for lawful interception.
The Rise of 5G
5G technology, launched globally in the late 2010s, changed mobile communication with faster data speeds, lower latency, and improved connectivity. It supports emerging technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous vehicles, and smart cities. Initially, 5G relied on existing 4G LTE core infrastructure, limiting its full potential.
Transition to 5G Core
The development of the 5G Core (5GC) marked a major improvement. Unlike early 5G networks, which depended on 4G core infrastructure, 5GC operates independently. It uses a cloud-native, service-based architecture that enhances flexibility, scalability, and efficiency. Features like network slicing allow multiple virtual networks on a single physical network, and it better supports IoT devices.
The Emergence of 5G Core Dynamic
5G Core Dynamic builds on 5GC with even greater flexibility. It allows networks to adjust resources based on demand, supporting real-time analytics, AI-driven management, and enhanced security. A key innovation in 5G Core Dynamic is the System Information Retrieval Function (SIRF) present in the Network Repository Function (NRF), a crucial component that interacts with other network functions to support service discovery and registration and provides SBA-related information to the Lawful Interception system.
As 5G technology evolves, so do the challenges for lawful interception. Here are five key challenges:
Capacity Increase (Mediation up to 20+ Gbps)
5G Core and 5G Core Dynamic handle much higher data throughput, often over 20 Gbps. Lawful interception systems must keep up with this increased capacity, mediating and analyzing vast amounts of data in real-time without losing performance or accuracy.
Reduce Content (IP Traffic Profiling)
With the massive volume of data in 5G networks, it's crucial to reduce the content that needs interception. IP traffic profiling helps by identifying and filtering relevant [MPdB1] data streams, reducing the burden on interception systems. This requires advanced algorithms and real-time processing to ensure critical information isn't missed.
Switch Off 2G/3G (VoLTE Inbound Roaming)
With the introduction of the 5G frequencies, operators phase out the 2G and 3G networks, resulting in the need for VoLTE roaming agreements. VoLTE roaming is usually implemented using S8 Home routing, which makes the lawful interception of inbound roaming subscribers challenging. Lawful interception systems must adapt to these changes, maintaining effective monitoring across different network generations.
SUPI/SUCI Introduction
5G networks introduced Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI) and Subscription Concealed Identifier (SUCI) to enhance user privacy and security. While beneficial, these identifiers complicate on-air lawful interception capabilities of law enforcement. Systems must accurately map the concealed identifiers to real user identities without compromising privacy and encryption benefits.
Dynamic 5G Core
The dynamic nature of 5G Core Dynamic, with real-time network adjustments, presents unique challenges for lawful interception. The lawful interception systems must become highly adaptable. They must be able to dynamically integrate with the newly instantiated network environments and handle frequent changes in data flow and configurations.
The evolution from 5G to 5G Core and 5G Core Dynamic brings significant advancements in mobile communication, offering faster speeds, greater flexibility, and new capabilities. However, these advancements also introduce challenges for lawful interception. Addressing increased capacity, reducing content through IP traffic profiling, managing VoLTE inbound roaming, handling SUPI/SUCI, and integrating with dynamic 5GC environments requires advanced, adaptable solutions. As telecommunications continue to innovate, so must the systems ensuring security and compliance in the digital age.