Performance Evaluation of 5G Roaming Security Based on PRINS

The 5G PRotocol for N32 INterconnect Security (PRINS) represents a significant advancement in telecommunications security, designed to protect the critical N32-f roaming interface between Security Edge Protection Proxies (SEPPs). Unlike traditional security approaches, PRINS uniquely combines end-to-end security with support for legitimate packet modifications by IP eXchange (IPX) network providers, enabling transparent roaming value-added services (RVASs) while maintaining data integrity and confidentiality. Through our experimental Python implementation, we provide insights into PRINS's complex architecture, which exceeds both end-to-end and hop-to-hop TLS variants in design complexity but offers enhanced security features and operational flexibility. Our performance evaluation reveals significant trade-offs. PRINS introduces 66-195% communication latency and increases packet lengths by 81-255% compared to end-to-end TLS. This research contributes to a practical understanding of implementation challenges and security considerations for network operators intending to deploy PRINS in 5G infrastructures, which increasingly form the basis of critical systems across various industries and national infrastructures.