New Security Architecture of Access Control in 5G MEC

Authors:

• Zbigniew Kotulski,
• Wojciech Niewolski,
• Tomasz Nowak,
• Mariusz Sepczuk

Abstract

The currently developed 5G networks using MEC technology (5G MEC) allow for the harmonious cooperation of many areas of the economy (called the vertical industries) within an integrated information network. Providing the necessary security in such a complex configuration of business partners requires the design of consistent and effective security architecture. In this paper, we present a new concept of an access control architecture for the 5G MEC network in line with the 5G network model and MEC architecture proposed by international standardization organizations. We give an overview of the high-level security architecture of 5G MEC networks, which provides security solutions for the network's components and establishes secure access to all cooperating entities. Next, we introduce the MEC Enabler, a new network's module, which manages security credentials required to access resources of MEC-hosted services. We consider a series of several use cases with increasing demands on network data resources and computing power. Finally, we present a sample protocol diagram for gaining access to resources (authentication in a service using MEC technology) in our access control architecture