AUC

The Authentication Centre (AUC) is a function in a GSM network used for the authentication a mobile subscriber that wants to be connected to the network. Authentication is done by identification and verification of the validity of the SIM.

Once the subscriber is authenticated, the AUC is responsible for the generation of the parameters used for the privacy and the ciphering of the radio link. To ensure the privacy of the mobile subscriber a Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (TMSI) is assigned for the duration that the subscriber is under control of the specific Mobile Switching Centre (MSC) associated with the AUC.