Network Protocols
Explore the various protocols used in telecommunications networks, their key features, and security implications. Understanding these protocols is crucial for maintaining secure and efficient communication systems.
5G
The latest generation of cellular network technology.
Key Features:
- Enhanced Mobile Broadband
- Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication
- Massive Machine Type Communications
Security Aspects:
- Network Slicing Security
- Enhanced Subscriber Privacy
- Security Edge Protection Proxy
4G LTE
Fourth generation Long-Term Evolution cellular technology.
Key Features:
- High-speed data for mobile phones
- IP-based network architecture
- Improved spectrum efficiency
Security Aspects:
- Authentication and Key Agreement (AKA)
- User identity confidentiality
- Air interface encryption
VoIP
Voice over Internet Protocol for delivering voice communications over IP networks.
Key Features:
- Packet-switched telephony
- Integration with other IP services
- Flexible deployment options
Security Aspects:
- SIP security mechanisms
- Media encryption (SRTP)
- VoIP firewalls and SBCs
SS7
Signaling System No. 7, a set of telephony signaling protocols.
Key Features:
- Call setup and tear down
- SMS transport
- Roaming support
Security Aspects:
- SS7 firewalls
- Monitoring and analytics
- SMS home routing
ISUP
ISDN User Part, a protocol used for setting up telephone calls in SS7 networks.
Key Features:
- Call setup and teardown
- Circuit management
- Supplementary services support
Security Aspects:
- Lack of built-in authentication
- Vulnerability to call hijacking
- Toll fraud risks
Diameter
Next-generation signaling protocol used in 4G and 5G networks.
Key Features:
- Authentication and Authorization
- Policy Control
- Charging and Billing
Security Aspects:
- TLS/DTLS Support
- IPsec Integration
- Diameter Firewalls
SIP
Session Initiation Protocol for VoIP and multimedia communications.
Key Features:
- Call Setup and Teardown
- Registration
- Presence and Instant Messaging
Security Aspects:
- SIP Authentication
- S/MIME for SIP
- TLS for SIP Signaling
SIP-I
Session Initiation Protocol with encapsulated ISUP for interworking between IP and PSTN networks.
Key Features:
- ISUP encapsulation
- Seamless interoperability
- Support for PSTN services
Security Aspects:
- Inherits SIP and ISUP vulnerabilities
- Signaling manipulation risks
- Interworking security challenges
SCTP
Stream Control Transmission Protocol for signaling transport in telecommunications.
Key Features:
- Multi-homing
- Multi-streaming
- Association establishment
Security Aspects:
- Cookie mechanism
- Verification tag
- Protection against SYN flooding
SIGTRAN
Signaling Transport protocol suite for carrying SS7 over IP networks.
Key Features:
- SS7 over IP
- SCTP-based transport
- Multiple adaptation layers
Security Aspects:
- IPsec support
- SCTP security features
- Signaling network isolation
H.323
Protocol suite for multimedia communication over packet-based networks.
Key Features:
- Video conferencing
- Real-time audio
- Data collaboration
Security Aspects:
- H.235 security framework
- Authentication
- Encryption
RTP
Real-time Transport Protocol for delivering audio and video over IP networks.
Key Features:
- Timing reconstruction
- Loss detection
- Security and content identification
- Media synchronization
Security Aspects:
- SRTP encryption
- Authentication tags
- Key management (e.g., ZRTP)
- Protection against replay attacks
MGCP
Media Gateway Control Protocol for controlling media gateways in VoIP networks.
Key Features:
- Call control
- Media gateway management
- Endpoint control
- Connection management
Security Aspects:
- Authentication
- Integrity protection
- IPsec implementation
- Access control
MEGACO
Media Gateway Control Protocol (also known as H.248) for controlling media gateways.
Key Features:
- Media gateway control
- Multimedia session management
- Scalability
- Interoperability with MGCP
Security Aspects:
- Authentication and authorization
- Integrity protection
- IPsec and TLS support
- Access control
BICC
Bearer Independent Call Control protocol for call control in telecommunications networks.
Key Features:
- Separation of call and bearer control
- Support for multiple bearer types
- Interworking with ISUP
Security Aspects:
- Authentication and authorization
- Integrity protection
- Encryption
- Access control
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Last Updated: 12/24/2025