INNOVATION in a wireless world

jNEF: jtendo Network Exposure Function

jNEF (jtendo Network Exposure Function) is a cutting-edge service delivery platform created by jtendo, designed to address the evolving needs of modern telecommunications networks while ensuring compatibility with legacy systems. As networks transition to 5G and beyond, jNEF bridges the gap between older technologies like 2G, 3G, and 4G, offering operators the flexibility to deliver next-generation services without abandoning their existing infrastructure. By leveraging advanced APIs, modular architecture, and scalable deployment strategies, jNEF provides an adaptable solution that meets the demands of both current and future network environments.

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Architecture
Web Service Exposition Layer

This layer provides a secure and standards-based way to expose network capability and/or service APIs to the outside world, according to GSMA/ETSI recommendations.

Service Capability Functions

Together with the Network Exposure Function, it provides Southbound Interface Network Resources exposed towards upper layers via APIs according to the ETSI/3GPP 5G NEF and OMA OneAPI specification. It is typically extended with custom APIs from the jtendo OpenAPI suite tailored to address specific needs per deployment. It covers 2/3/4G interfaces as well as 5G standards.

Platform Service & Management

This enables platform management, service configuration, and provisioning. It is composed of a set of tools, including a Service Management GUI for web-based service configuration management, an analytics tool, and others.

    Network Exposure Function

    Implements protocol stacks, including SS7, SIP, Diameter, and GTP, to integrate with core network elements.

    Application Execution Environment

    Provides a coherent environment for business logic implementation, facilitating common functions like SNMP traps, session replication, statistics generation, EDR generation, and logging for the hosted applications.

    Service Interaction Engine

    Provides service brokering capabilities. For instance, it allows several applications to be invoked for a single initial event (e.g. SIP INVITE or CAP IDP) coming from the network and then mediates the responses from these applications to compose the final response to the core network.

    Key Features
    API-Driven Flexibility

    At the heart of jNEF is its API-driven architecture, which enables the platform to interact seamlessly with external systems and applications. RESTful APIs form the backbone of its design, providing well-defined and easy-to-use interfaces for developers. These APIs support a range of use cases, including 5G-specific functionalities, legacy systems, and custom scenarios tailored to deployment needs. This approach simplifies integration, reduces development complexity, and ensures rapid implementation of new services.

    Standards Compliance

    jNEF strictly adheres to global telecommunications standards, ensuring it remains compatible with current and future technological developments. It is designed to comply with ETSI/3GPP specifications for 5G NEF, enabling seamless integration with advanced 5G network functions. Simultaneously, it incorporates GSMA/OMA OneAPI standards, ensuring continued support for older technologies. This dual compliance ensures operators can serve a diverse customer base while staying ahead in the competitive telecommunications market.

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    High Performance & Scalability

    Built using Erlang, jNEF delivers unmatched performance in handling high volumes of concurrent requests. Erlang’s lightweight process model allows jNEF to scale horizontally, supporting millions of parallel activities without compromising speed or reliability. The platform’s fault-tolerant design ensures uninterrupted service, even during peak loads or unexpected failures, making it ideal for telco-grade applications.

    Legacy System Compatibility

    Recognizing the need to support existing technologies, jNEF integrates older network protocols like SS7, SIP, Diameter, and GTP. This ensures operators can maintain customer services on legacy networks while rolling out advanced features for 5G users. The platform’s ability to bridge multiple generations of network technologies allows operators to effectively serve a wide range of user bases.

    Modular Architecture

    jNEF is built on a highly modular framework, allowing individual components to be independently deployed, scaled, and managed. This structure supports containerized deployments, enabling efficient resource usage and easy updates. The modular approach ensures that different platform components can evolve independently, making the system more resilient and adaptable to changing technological requirements.

    Advantages
    Global Deployment

    jNEF’s reliability is evidenced by its successful deployment with Tier 1 telecom operators. jNEF platforms have been implemented on multiple continents, from Europe to Africa to handle critical network operations, including signaling traffic management and advanced service delivery. These deployments highlight its adaptability to diverse network environments and its trustworthiness as a telco-grade solution.

    Cost Efficiency

    The platform’s feature-based licensing model is designed to reduce costs while maintaining full functionality. jNEF eliminates unnecessary expenses and simplifies license management by avoiding dependencies on third-party licenses. Operators benefit from cost-effective scalability without compromising performance or capability, making jNEF an economically attractive option.

    JSLEE Alternative

    jNEF is positioned as a modern replacement for JSLEE-based platforms, addressing their limitations and introducing advanced capabilities. Unlike JSLEE, which relies on outdated specifications and limited scalability, jNEF supports containerized deployments, RESTful API interfaces, and secure exposure of network capabilities to external applications. This makes it a future-proof choice for operators looking to modernize their service delivery infrastructure.

    Enhanced Security

    Security is a cornerstone of jNEF’s design. It incorporates robust authentication mechanisms, role-based access control (RBAC), and advanced monitoring to ensure secure operation. By safely exposing network APIs to external entities while shielding sensitive data, jNEF enables operators to confidently integrate third-party applications and services without risking the integrity of their networks.

    Deployment Models

    Scalable Configurations

    The platform is designed for single and multi-site configurations. Single-site deployments suit localized operations, while multi-site setups offer geo-redundancy and high availability. By replicating critical data across sites and employing robust failover mechanisms, jNEF ensures uninterrupted service delivery despite hardware or network failures.

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    Versatile Options

    jNEF supports multiple deployment environments, catering to varied operational needs and preferences. It can be deployed on bare-metal servers for maximum performance, within virtualized environments for flexibility, or using containerization for modern cloud-native architectures. With this adaptability operators can choose the deployment model that best suits their infrastructure and scalability requirements.

    Integrated Management Tools

    jNEF includes a suite of tools for operations, administration, and maintenance (OAM). These tools give administrators centralized control over the platform, including configuration management, analytics, tracing, and fault monitoring. The intuitive interface simplifies system management, allowing operators to optimize performance and quickly address issues.

    Business Benefits

    Faster Time-to-Market

    jNEF’s streamlined API-driven architecture enables operators to rapidly onboard and deploy new services. This agility reduces development cycles, allowing operators to respond to market demands and gain a competitive edge quickly.

    Enhanced Customer Experience

    By integrating with advanced services such as IoT solutions, OTT platforms, and personalized billing systems, jNEF empowers operators to deliver tailored customer experiences. This focus on innovation enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty.

    Reduced Operational Costs

    The platform’s modular design and efficient integration capabilities simplify system management and reduce maintenance costs. Operators can leverage third-party expertise while minimizing the complexity of managing disparate systems.

    Conclusion: jNEF is a transformative solution that bridges the gap between legacy and modern telecommunications technologies. Its modular architecture, robust API framework, and global deployment success make it an ideal choice for operators seeking to enhance their service delivery capabilities. By combining innovation, cost-efficiency, and future-proof design, jNEF empowers telecom operators to thrive in an increasingly competitive and dynamic industry.

    jtendo solutions & services
    Telecommunication. Security. Intelligent Network. SS7. Diameter.