5G core and RAN can be separated: Ovum

Despite the Australian Government's belief, the core and radio access network elements of 5G networks can be and are successfully separated, according to a new report from telecommunications research firm Ovum.

The report found that the 5G standard "introduces no radical changes to a security architecture based on a clear core/RAN separation" compared to 4G networks.

As with 4G networks, user authentication and data encryption functions are managed and controlled by the core, with the RAN functioning as a pipe between the core infrastructure and the mobile device.

"The signals and data conveyed through the RAN remain encapsulated between core and terminals, so that external sources do not have access to unencrypted traffic. The core always retains control of 5G call security," the report states.

"Moreover, the inbound and outbound traffic between RAN and core is always encrypted using a Security Gateway (SGw). The SGw is an essential component — beyond the scope of the 3GPP standards — of the 5G network security architecture to be deployed by mobile operators to protect their security control zone. Choosing a different RAN vendor does not change this."

This all means that managing the security of 5G networks is similar to 4G, Ovum said. And, despite confusion, the shifting of core network functions to the edge using multi-access edge computing (MEC) does not affect core/RAN separation — MEC is defined as a core network function.

The federal government last year used advice provided by security agencies asserting that the distinction between core and RAN functions are more blurred in 5G network architecture to justify banning Chinese vendors including Huawei from participating in Australian 5G rollouts.

But the Ovum report contradicts this, and earlier this month the UK's Science and Technology parliamentary committee released a report stating that it had received clear advice that core and non-core components of 5G networks can be successfully separated.

The committee's final report advised that there are no technical grounds to ban Huawei from supplying non-core 5G equipment to the nation's operators.

Huawei CTO Andy Purdy said the report underlines the importance of ensuring constant dialogue between operators, vendors and governments around 5G security issues.

"We are now seeing operators around the world deploying 5G with different vendors for the Core and RAN networks — this actually helps deliver a more secure network," he said.

"Huawei is working with operators and regulators around the world — including our ongoing extensive work with the European Union — to deliver 5G in a safe and secure manner and is ready to talk with the Australian Government at any time."

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/vege

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