At the FRONT Research Group of NCSR Demokritos, we are committed to advancing standards that drive innovation and interoperability within the telecommunications and technology sectors. Two of our primary initiatives in this area are OpenCAPIF, which is an open-source implementation of 3GPP’s Common API Framework (CAPIF) and CAMARA initiative that aims to simplify the telco network APIs. The two initiatives are both instrumental in shaping future technological landscapes in the context of the future mobile networks
The ETSI SDG OpenCAPIF (SDG OCF) is a leading initiative aimed at establishing a standardized framework for APIs in telecommunications as described by 3GPP. The goal of OCF is to provide a common framework that allows the exposure and consumption of various services and applications across different networks and technologies in a secure and consistent way. In gerenal OCF strives to:
Achieve Interoperability: Enable seamless integration of APIs from multiple vendors and service providers, fostering a more unified ecosystem.
Support Scalability: Accommodate a broad range of applications, from small-scale projects to expansive, complex systems, promoting growth and flexibility.
Ensure Flexibility: Adapt to various technological environments by supporting a multitude of protocols and standards.
Enhance Security: Implement stringent security measures to protect data and ensure privacy, building trust in the framework.
3GPP TR23.946 Guidelines for CAPIF Usage has been approved by 3GPP Athens meeting 1/3/2024 with direct reference to EVOLVED-5G, NEF emulator and Open-CAPIF.
3GPP TR23.946 additional contributions co-signed by Telefonica, University of Málaga, NCSR Demokritos|FRONT and Lenovo :
1.ETSI MEC: Contribution on defining the ETSI MEC CAPIF profile. Will be prepared by Apple.
2.6.4 on NEF: Editorial changes to our previous contribution on NEF API Publication.
3.SupportFeatures: Contribution on how to use Supported Features in CAPIF.
4.CAPIF tests Annex contribution listing test cases for CAPIF.
The CAMARA Initiative under the Linux Foundation is an industry-wide collaborative effort aimed at creating an open-source software framework for network APIs. Launched in early 2022, this initiative brings together major telecom operators and vendors to address the complexities and fragmentation in network API development and deployment. Key objectives of the CAMARA Initiative include:Standardization of Network APIs: The initiative aims to standardize network APIs to ensure compatibility and interoperability across different networks and service providers.
Open-Source Framework: By developing an open-source framework, the initiative fosters a collaborative environment where companies can contribute and innovate, accelerating the development of network services.
Improved Efficiency: The initiative seeks to streamline the development process for network APIs, reducing the time and cost required to create and deploy new network services
The 6G-IA SNS (Smart Networks and Services) Initiative is driving innovation and collaboration to shape the future of 6G communication technologies. By fostering partnerships across industry, research, and policymaking, it aims to develop sustainable, efficient, and interoperable solutions for next-generation networks. As a member, the FRONT Research Group actively attends to advancing this transformative initiative.
Open Operator Platform (OOP)
OpenOP (Open Operator Platform) is an ETSI Software Development Group initiative that delivers an open-source platform designed to enable federation of operator networks and testbeds, along with standardized capability exposure APIs. It aims to foster a collaborative environment where telecom operators, vendors, and research institutions can jointly develop, experiment, and test new telecom capabilities in an agile and efficient manner.
Our Contribution
The FRONT Research Group is actively involved in driving these standardization initiatives, playing a vital role in shaping the future of telecommunications and cloud computing. As a founding member of OpenCAPIF, we are deeply committed to advancing open, interoperable frameworks that foster collaboration and innovation. We believe that OCF and CAMARA will pave the way for more efficient, secure, and innovative technological solutions, benefiting various industries and applications.