RED Directive: 3 cybersecurity requirements for repeaters

The rapid growth of the mobile networks market has transformed the role of radio equipment within telecom infrastructures. Once assessed mainly in terms of radio performance and electrical safety, these devices are now subject to reinforced cybersecurity requirements. With the evolution of the RED Directive, regulatory compliance now explicitly includes the protection of networks and data, making cybersecurity a prerequisite for 4G and 5G repeaters and other active radio equipment.

Why the RED Directive has evolved towards cybersecurity requirements

Increasingly connected radio equipment

Radio equipment deployed in today’s mobile networks is no longer passive. It integrates software interfaces, remote monitoring functions and IP connectivity essential for operation. While this increased connectivity improves network performance and flexibility, it also expands exposure to cyber threats, particularly in indoor and critical environments.

In this context, a 4G/5G repeater no longer simply amplifies a signal. It becomes an active network component, interacting with other equipment and potentially with broader information systems.

From technical risk to regulatory challenge

Until recently, the RED Directive primarily focused on radio spectrum usage and electrical safety. This approach did not fully address cybersecurity risks, despite the widespread adoption of connected use cases.

The updated regulatory framework addresses this gap, reflecting the EU authorities’ intention to align radio equipment requirements with the operational realities of modern mobile networks.

Article 3.3 of the RED Directive: what it requires in practice

Protection of communication networks

Article 3.3 introduces requirements designed to ensure that radio equipment cannot be used to disrupt or overload communication networks. This includes large-scale misuse scenarios where insufficiently secured devices could be exploited as part of cyberattacks. Manufacturers must therefore design equipment capable of limiting abnormal behaviour and resisting malicious exploitation. The cybersecurity requirements introduced by Article 3.3 are based on three core principles:

Protection of communication networks

radio equipment, including 5G repeaters, must not be exploitable to disrupt, overload or divert mobile networks.

Security of data and traffic

data exchanged by the equipment must be protected against unauthorised access through encryption and access control mechanisms.

Prevention of fraudulent use

where sensitive functions are embedded, risks of malicious exploitation must be mitigated through security-by-design measures.

Securing data and traffic

Connected radio equipment may process or transmit sensitive data, including configuration information, monitoring traffic or network usage data. The RED Directive now requires appropriate protection mechanisms, such as encrypted communications and secure access management.

These requirements directly apply to 4G/5G repeaters, particularly when deployed in professional or industrial environments where data confidentiality and integrity are critical.

What the RED Directive changes for repeaters in mobile networks

4G/5G repeaters as active network components

In mobile networks, 4G/5G repeaters play a key role in extending coverage and improving quality of service, especially in complex indoor environments. Their position within the radio chain makes them strategic technical assets with a direct impact on network stability and availability.

As such, compliance with cybersecurity requirements becomes a decisive factor for operators and network owners.

Cybersecurity and operational reliability

Cybersecurity is not limited to protection against external attacks. It also contributes to overall network reliability by reducing risks related to uncontrolled access or unsecured software updates.

A RED-compliant 4G/5G repeater therefore supports service continuity and risk management, beyond simple regulatory compliance.

Designing repeaters compliant with this new framework

Integrating cybersecurity from the design phase

Meeting RED Directive requirements requires a holistic design approach. Cybersecurity must be integrated from the earliest stages of development, considering software architecture, authentication mechanisms and secure update processes throughout the product lifecycle.

This approach enables anticipation of regulatory changes and ensures long-term compliance.

The XG-RF® Nexis repeater

The XG-RF® Nexis repeater follows this approach. It has been designed to meet current RED Directive requirements, including cybersecurity aspects, by integrating protection mechanisms aligned with modern mobile network use cases.

This compliance reflects a commitment to providing equipment aligned with European standards and meeting operators’ and integrators’ expectations in terms of performance, reliability and security.

The evolution of the RED Directive marks a significant step in standardising cybersecurity requirements for radio equipment. For mobile networks, and especially for 4G/5G repeaters, regulatory compliance is becoming a true indicator of quality and operational reliability.

Choosing equipment designed to meet these requirements helps anticipate regulatory constraints while strengthening the security and resilience of network infrastructures. Telenco teams support mobile network players in understanding and implementing these new standards.