Network Upgrade Trusted AF

This project introduces a Trusted Application Function (T-AF) as a software extension to the 6G-PATH lab, connecting to the lab’s 5G Core via SBI interfaces, NEF, and optionally NWDAF, using Network APIs. It enables application developers to build use cases with one or multiple Network APIs. The proposed AF will expose network capability as a platform (NaaP), contributing to the “Network Upgrade” and enhancing 6G-PATH’s ability to empower innovation.

One of the unique technical levers of 5G Standalone is the “Network API,” enabled by the 3GPP network function NEF (3GPP TS 29.522). Extending from 3GPP TS 29.122, basic Network APIs such as Monitoring Event Exposure (Change of SUPI/PEI association, Location Report), Device Triggering, Traffic Influence, and AF-required QoS were introduced. Subsequent Release 18 adds more APIs, such as AF-triggered Access and Mobility Influence, Data Reporting Session Management & Provisioning, and Network Slice Usage Control Parameters Provisioning. One of the biggest changes in 3GPP is in TS 29.522 and related specs (e.g. 29.520), expanding to 45 Network APIs in Rel-18. The industry aim is to enable application developers to create use cases just as they do using Android and iOS APIs.

The objective is to provide an Open API Framework with libraries combining Network APIs, Service APIs (CAMARA), and new APIs (part of the 6G Innovation). This framework allows application developers to access network information (Event Exposure, Analytics Info) and influence user (Human & Machine) experience (Slice/sNSSAI, URSP, 5QI), enabling impactful use cases.

At project conclusion, the Trusted AF will expose network capabilities and information (location, reachability, congestion), and enable changes in user experience via sNSSAI, 5QI, and URSP for 3pp applications, helping them develop use cases for 6G-PATH.

Network APIs remain largely unfamiliar to application developers, limiting their commercial uptake. Despite the inclusion of 45 APIs in Rel-18, adoption is minimal. While CAMARA simplifies access via abstraction, developers still lack a robust environment to test and refine applications. The Trusted AF in 6G-PATH will bridge this gap by offering documentation and a controlled setting to experiment, empowering developers to realize the full potential of Network APIs.