SliceFinity

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Patent Pending | Application Number GB 2403018.1.

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Trusted Application Function
Unlocking the Power of Network APIs

The Trusted Application Function (T-AF) plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between Network APIs and real-world use cases. By integrating multiple 3GPP 5G Core Service-Based Interfaces (SBIs) and Network APIs, it enables mobile network operators (MNOs) to implement business logic that drives new vertical applications.

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The Current Landscape

3GPP Release-18 includes 45 Network APIs designed to deliver value for MNOs and their customers. However, adoption remains limited. In the U.S., leading MNOs like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile each support only 4–5 Network APIs, with little overlap and almost no commercial traction. The European market lags even further behind.

At SliceFinity, we believe the missing piece is a 3GPP-compliant Trusted Application Function that:

  • Implements business logic to enable over-the-top (OTT) use cases
  • Enhances NEF-based Network APIs with direct 5G Core SBI access
  • Maps CAMARA APIs to Network APIs

Use Cases

We classify Network APIs into two categories:

Exposure APIs

Provide access to network data such as user status or location (e.g., "Monitoring Events: Location Reporting," "Analytics Info").

Influence APIs

Enable real-time changes in customer experience or service policies (e.g., "AF Requires QoS," "Change of Chargeable Party," "Background Data Transfer Policy").

Leveraging this classification, we deliver:

Telco Internal Services

MNOs can utilize Network APIs for applications like automatic device detection, roaming tariff notifications, location-based services, and guaranteed QoS on demand.

External Services

Exposing CAMARA APIs enables applications such as low-latency "Edge Cloud" computing, "Network Slice Booking," identity verification (e.g., for banking apps), and QoS customization for IoT devices, drones, and payment terminals.

Digging Into the Technical Specifications

The Trusted Application Function is specified in 3gpp TS 23.502 Clause 6.2

  • Key enabler of vertical use cases over Network APIs
  • Key Network Entity to consume NEF based Network APIs
  • Key Entity to implement CAMARA APIs within the telecom network
  • Can consume 3gpp 5GC SBI APIs as well
  • Trigger multiple APIs within the network to service over the top use cases
  • Business logic to serve multiple use cases
  • oAuth based AF authorization framework
  • API security – TLS, SSL, oAuth, JWT
  • Support for 12 Network APIs (& increasing)
  • Support for 11 CAMARA APIs (& increasing) including mapping to Network APIs & 5GC SBI
  • 14 over the top use cases classified under:
  1. Telco internal service (e.g. Roaming, Location Services)
  2. External exposure (e.g. 3pp Apps)

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