imported>Jacob de Joe: /* References */

2020-08-27T00:47:25Z

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[[File:BSF positioning between UE, NAF and HSS.png|thumb|right|BSF Positioning]]

A '''Bootstrapping Server Function (BSF)''' is an intermediary element in [[Cellular network]]s which provides application-independent functions for mutual [[authentication]] of user equipment and servers unknown to each other and for 'bootstrapping' the exchange of secret session keys afterwards. This allows the use of additional services like [[Mobile TV]] and [[Public Key Infrastructure|PKI]], which need authentication and secured communication.

==GBA/GAA Setup==
The setup and function to deploy a generic security relation as described is called [[Generic Bootstrapping Architecture|Generic Bootstrapping Architecture (GBA)]] or [[Generic Authentication Architecture]] (GAA). In short, it consists of the following elements.

* user equipment (UE), e. g. a mobile cellular telephone; needs access to a specific service
* application server (NAF: Network Application Function), e. g. for mobile TV; provides the service
* BSF (Bootstrapping Server Function); arranges security relation between UE and NAF
* mobile network operator's Home Subscriber Server (HSS); hosts user profiles.

In this case, the term '[[bootstrapping]]' is related to building a security relation with a previously unknown device first and to allow installing security elements (keys) in the device and the BSF afterwards.

==Workflow==
The BSF is introduced by the application server (NAF), after an unknown UE device is trying to get service access: the NAF refers the UE to the BSF. UE and BSF mutually authenticate via [[3GPP]] protocol AKA (Authentication and Key Agreement); additionally, the BSF sends related queries to the Home Subscriber Server (HSS).
Afterwards, UE and BSF agree on a session key to be used for encrypted data exchange with the application server (NAF). When the UE again connects to the NAF, the NAF is able to obtain the session key as well as user-specific data from the BSF and can start data exchange with the end device (UE), using the related session keys for encryption.

==Standards==
BSF is standardised in recent versions of 3GPP Standards: GAA (Generic Authentication Architecture) and GBA ([[Generic Bootstrapping Architecture]]), and 3GPP TS 33.919, 33.220 24.109, 29.109

==External links==
* [http://www.golem.de/specials/dvbh/ DVB-H News]
* [http://www.bmcoforum.org BMCO forum]
* [http://www.openmobilealliance.org/ Open Mobile Alliance]
* [http://www.3gpp.org 3GPP]
* [http://www.queryhome.com/63490/bootstrapping-server-function-in-lte-network BSF in LTE network]
** [http://www.castlabs.com/ castLabs (commercial BSF supplier)]
** [http://www.nexcom.fr/ Nexcom Systems (OEM commercial BSF supplier)]
** [https://www.etsi.org/deliver/etsi_ts/124100_124199/124109/08.03.00_60/ts_124109v080300p.pdf 3GPP TS 24.109 version 8.3.0 Release 8]

[[Category:Mobile telecommunications standards]]

Bootstrapping Server Function - Revision history

imported>Jacob de Joe: /* References */