5G Standalone (SA) networks are reshaping the way we connect—offering faster speeds, lower latency, and smarter connectivity. But behind the scenes, subscriber identification plays a crucial role in keeping these networks secure and private.
Three key identifiers—SUPI, SUCI, and 5G-GUTI—form the backbone of 5G subscriber authentication and privacy. Let’s break them down.
What is SUPI?
The Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI) is like your 5G passport—unique to you, stored in your SIM, and used to authenticate you on the network.
In 4G, its equivalent was the IMSI, which could be sent in plain text, exposing users to tracking risks.
5G SA changes this by concealing the SUPI during transmission, adding an essential layer of protection.
What is SUCI?
The Subscription Concealed Identifier (SUCI) is how 5G keeps the SUPI private.
By encrypting the SUPI with the home operator’s public key using elliptic curve cryptography, SUCI ensures that even if intercepted, it’s useless to attackers. Only the operator’s UDM—holding the private key—can reveal the real identity.
What is 5G-GUTI?
When your device first connects, it uses the SUPI. But right after, the network issues a 5G Globally Unique Temporary UE Identity (5G-GUTI)—a temporary tag that replaces the SUPI in all further communication.
Since 5G Release 15, networks must frequently change this ID, making it even harder for attackers to track a user’s movements.
From Idea to Practice: How IPLOOK Delivers Secure 5G SA
Understanding these identifiers is one thing—deploying them effectively is another. That’s where IPLOOK comes in.
Our 5G SA Core Network Solutions are designed to:
· Protect identities by fully concealing the SUPI during every connection
· Guarantee privacy through robust SUCI encryption compliant with 3GPP standards
· Maximize security with automated, dynamic 5G-GUTI reallocation
· Ensure performance without compromising user experience
With IPLOOK, operators don’t just get compliance with 5G security requirements—they get a network that’s privacy-first by design, ready to support billions of secure, high-speed connections.
IPLOOK turns the idea of SUPI, SUCI, and 5G-GUTI into real-world 5G SA security you can trust.
