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ML-Kem-Based IPsec Advances 5G O-Ran Security Via E2 Interface Evaluation

Researchers experimentally validated post‑quantum cryptography on the 5G O‑RAN E2 interface using ML‑KEM (CRYSTALS‑Kyber) within IPsec. Their open‑source testbed compared baseline, traditional ECDH, and ML‑KEM IPsec configurations, measuring tunnel‑setup latency and xApp behavior. Results show only a 3–5 ms overhead for tunnel establishment, with no impact on Near‑RT RIC xApp performance. The study provides concrete evidence that quantum‑safe IPsec can be deployed in live O‑RAN networks without violating timing constraints.