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Error codes › EMM cause (LTE NAS)

EMM cause #21 Synch failure

EMM cause (LTE NAS)3GPP TS 24.301 §9.9.3.9 and Annex A

What it means

Synch failure: sent by the phone. The SIM's sequence number (SQN) is out of sync with the HSS. Normally the network re-synchronises and authentication then succeeds.

Where you see it

In LTE NAS Attach reject, Tracking area update reject, Service reject or Detach request.

What to check

Only a problem if it repeats: then check SQN handling in the HSS/AuC.

Look at the S6a (MME↔HSS) and S11 messages just before the reject: they usually show the real trigger.

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