SA3 · TR 33.771

Study on supporting AEAD algorithms

Brings 256-bit AEAD algorithms into access-stratum and NAS security. Approved at SA#113 with all four key issues concluded — one of the few 6G-adjacent studies that has actually finished.

Specification: TR 33.771
Work item: FS_AEAD
Group: SA SA3
Rapporteur: Yuto Nakano — KDDI
WID: SP-251247
Runs: 10 Sep 2025 → 9 Sep 2026
Latest: approved
Status: Complete

Where it stands

Concluded

All four key issues closed; the study was approved at SA#113.

Context

Release 19's TR 33.700-41 concluded coexistence of 128-bit and 256-bit algorithms, not replacement. The algorithm specifications land in TS 35.240–35.248.

Open questions

When 256-bit becomes mandatory in 6G — Not yet decided.
Whether KI#4 makes user-plane integrity mandatory — Watch the normative CRs.

Watch next

SA3 Prague, 12–16 Oct 2026 — Normative CRs, and algorithm identifier assignment.

Covered in

Edition 19, Edition 21

Sources

Primary3GPP portal — work item record

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