Navigating Security Challenges in the Era of 5G Fixed Wireless Access

The telecom sector is experiencing a transformative period, with fixed wireless access (FWA) emerging as a significant growth area amid various challenges. As telecom operators embrace FWA, they face new complexities and risks, particularly concerning the protection of the mobile network core. This blog post delves into the key issues and strategies for securing the mobile network core while supporting FWA services.

The Rise of Fixed Wireless Access
FWA has become a beacon of opportunity for telecom operators struggling with incremental revenue generation. By the end of 2023, more than 120 telecom operators had launched FWA services, leveraging large-spectrum allocations and extensive 5G New Radio (5G NR) coverage. This expansion is set to continue, with 5G expected to account for 85 percent of all FWA connections by 2029.

However, the integration of FWA into existing mobile networks introduces significant challenges. FWA users typically consume 20 to 50 times more bandwidth than traditional mobile users, putting immense pressure on network resources. This necessitates robust mobile network security measures to protect against potential threats.

Key Security Challenges

• High-bandwidth consumption and revenue impact: FWA data traffic already accounts for 19 percent of global mobile network data traffic and is projected to reach almost 30 percent by 2029. Although FWA can generate significant revenue, its lower revenue per bit compared with mobile services impacts profitability. Telecom operators must manage bandwidth allocation efficiently to ensure the mobile network core can handle the increased load without compromising service quality.
• Malicious and fraudulent traffic: FWA connections expose the mobile network to subscriber-driven malicious and fraudulent traffic. Insecure Internet of Things (IoT) devices, unauthorized tethering, and increased gaming activity can generate malicious traffic, posing a threat to network security. Telecom operators need to enhance their core network security to detect and mitigate these threats effectively.

Securing the Mobile Network Core Via Enhanced Network Visibility and Threat Detection

Comprehensive end-to-end insight into user and control plane traffic across core, transport, and RAN domains is essential. Operators need granular visibility into user traffic to classify specific inbound and outbound traffic types and control plane visibility to attribute individual subscriber and device identities to user traffic. This allows operators to map specific behaviors to specific devices and take action to mitigate fraudulent or malicious traffic.
Conclusion

The rise of 5G FWA presents both opportunities and challenges for telecom operators. Protecting the mobile network core is crucial to ensuring the integrity and profitability of FWA services. By addressing bandwidth consumption, mitigating malicious traffic, enhancing network visibility, and investing in comprehensive security solutions, operators can secure their networks against emerging threats.

Navigating the complexities of FWA integration while maintaining the performance and security of mobile networks will enable telecom operators to deliver a secure and seamless experience for their customers, driving growth and success in the 5G era.

For a complete analysis, download the white paper “Two-Sided Security for 5G Fixed Wireless Access.”

To learn how NETSCOUT nGenius and Arbor DDoS protection solutions can help mobile network operators maintain the performance and security of the 5G FWA networks visit:

https://www.netscout.com/solutions/5g
and
https://www.netscout.com/product/arbor-sightline-mobile