TS 33.501 – 5G Security Architecture
3GPP TS 33.501 is the 3GPP Technical Specification for 5G Security Architecture. Its official 3GPP title is “Security architecture and procedures for 5G system”. It is published in 6 releases (Rel-15 to Rel-20); the latest version is 20.3.0 in Rel-20.
Defines the 5G System security architecture, authentication, key management, confidentiality, integrity protection, and security procedures across 5G Core, NR, and interworking networks.
Releases and versions of TS 33.501
| Release | Latest version | Links |
|---|---|---|
| Rel-20 | 20.3.0 | Read · Download (3GPP) |
| Rel-19 | 19.7.0 | Read · Download (3GPP) |
| Rel-18 | 18.12.0 | Read · Download (3GPP) |
| Rel-17 | 17.16.0 | Read · Download (3GPP) |
| Rel-16 | 16.20.0 | Read · Download (3GPP) |
| Rel-15 | 15.20.0 | Read · Download (3GPP) |
Scope of TS 33.501
Primary function: Security Architecture and Procedures. Category: Security (Authentication). Technology generation: 5G. Network layer: Security.
Who should read this specification?
- Network operators
- Device manufacturers
- Regulators and standards bodies
- Researchers and academics
Implementation notes
Complexity level: Expert. Implementation difficulty: High.
Key technologies
Excerpt from TS 33.501
1 Scope
The present document specifies the security architecture, i.e., the security features and the security mechanisms for the 5G System and the 5G Core, and the security procedures performed within the 5G System including the 5G Core and the 5G New Radio.
Excerpt from the official 3GPP document (Rel-20). Read the full specification with interactive table of contents.
Specifications referenced by TS 33.501
- TS 33.246 MBMS Security Specification
- TS 23.247 5G Multicast and Broadcast Services
- TS 33.535 5G AKMA: Authentication and Key Management for Apps
- TS 23.288 5G Network Data Analytics Architecture
- TS 26.502 5G Multicast-Broadcast User Services Architecture
- TS 33.503 5G ProSe Security Specification
- TS 33.401 EPS Security Architecture
- TS 24.008 NAS Call, Mobility and Session Procedures
- TS 23.401 Evolved Packet System Architecture
- TS 33.402 Security for non-3GPP access to EPS
- TS 24.301 EPS NAS Mobility and Session Management
- TS 35.215 3GPP UEA2 & UIA2 Confidentiality & Integrity Algorithms
Specifications that reference TS 33.501
- TS 23.501 5G System Architecture
- TS 23.502 5G System Procedures
- TS 24.008 NAS Call, Mobility and Session Procedures
- TS 36.331 E-UTRA Radio Resource Control (RRC) Protocol
- TS 38.300 NR and NG-RAN Overall Description
- TS 38.331 NR Radio Resource Control (RRC)
- TS 29.571 5G Common Data Types
- TS 29.510 NRF Service-Based Interface
- TS 29.500 5G Service Based Architecture
- TS 25.331 RRC Protocol for UE-UTRAN Radio Interface
- TS 24.501 5GS NAS Protocol Specification
- TS 29.501 5GC SBI API Design Principles
Other specifications in the 33 series
- TS 33.369 AIoT Security Architecture and Procedures
- TS 33.401 EPS Security Architecture
- TS 33.402 Security for non-3GPP access to EPS
- TS 33.434 Security aspects of SEAL for verticals
- TS 33.502 Security Events Handling in 5G SBA
- TS 33.503 5G ProSe Security Specification
- TS 33.511 5G gNB Security Assurance Specification
- TS 33.512 AMF Security Assurance Specification
Frequently asked questions
What is 3GPP TS 33.501?
3GPP TS 33.501 is the 3GPP Technical Specification for 5G Security Architecture. Defines the 5G System security architecture, authentication, key management, confidentiality, integrity protection, and security procedures across 5G Core, NR, and interworking networks.
Which 3GPP releases include TS 33.501?
TS 33.501 is published in 6 releases, from Rel-15 to Rel-20. The latest version on 3GPP Explorer is 20.3.0 (Rel-20).
What does TS 33.501 specify?
Security Architecture and Procedures.
What category does TS 33.501 belong to?
TS 33.501 belongs to the Security (Authentication) category of 3GPP specifications. It applies to 5G networks.
View the full specification with interactive table of contents, version history, and AI analysis.
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