AFE Data Sheet

Tear down, block, and reroute fraudulent calls on fixed and mobile networks.

The Sevis Active Fraud Eliminator (AFE) is an integrated OEM solution that delivers all this and more for both fixed and mobile networks. It provides an easy to integrate solution for fraud system vendors giving them the building blocks they need to deliver the next-generation of fraud detection and prevention systems. The AFE redefines prevention by enabling fraud systems to act on fraudulent activity immediately. As a standards-based, carrier-grade network node, the AFE typically functions as an active SS7/C7 probe that is fully integrated with a fraud detection system providing real-time responses to fraudulent activity. However, it can also optionally be configured as a passive SS7/C7 probe for monitoring and data collection purposes only.

An integrated AFE/Fraud Detection solution can, in real-time, track down and eliminate fraudulent traffic on the network, minimizing the time and costs associated with fighting fraud and successfully recovering lost revenue as a result of fraudulent calls, roaming fraud, phantom traffic, SMS fraud, SIM boxes, stolen handsets, non-paying subscribers, interconnect billing errors, and many more.

represents one of the most expensive types of fraud and one of the most difficult to prevent.  Using AFE’s API, the fraud system can instantly turn off the roaming capabilities of a fraudster’s phone.  For CAMEL-based networks, AFE can reject calls by roamers to fraudulent destinations on a call-by-call basis.

SIM Box Fraud...

is a major source of revenue leakage for many carriers.  Offending SIMs are instantly disabled by the fraud system via AFE,  plugging the leaks caused by SIM box operators. Optionally, AFE includes a SIM Box detection module used in determining the presence of fraudulent GSM gateways .

allows fraud systems to stop fraudulent calls in progress by tearing the call down. This is accomplished by using AFE to inject the appropriate message onto the SS7/C7 network.  For example, SIM box calls and calls using stolen handsets can be terminated immediately by the fraud system.

enables the fraud detection system to block fraudulent call traffic by discarding the appropriate setup messages whether it’s a wireline call, a wireless call, or an SMS spam/fraud message. The fraud detection system uses AFE to reject, in real-time, activity that includes calls to/from fraudulent phone numbers, phantom calls, SMS spam/fraud, and SIM box calls.  It can even block calls that fail EIR authentication (IMEI validation), indicating a stolen handset.    

enables the fraud detection system to redirect fraudulent calls to an alternate destination. For instance, fraudulent calls can be rerouted to a fraud center, phantom calls can be rerouted to an automated announcement, and non-paying subscribers can be rerouted to customer service.

Interconnect Settlement Assurance...

is one of many SS7/C7-based revenue assurance applications that can be enabled by the Sevis AFE. A revenue assurance system can use the AFE to audit and reconcile interconnect billing and SS7/C7 transaction charges. The AFE can even provide information necessary for monitoring network performance and operations.  

is an optional configuration of the Sevis AFE. It can function as a passive monitoring probe for applications where passive collection of SS7/C7 call and event data is all that is required. As a passive SS7/C7 probe, the call/event detail stream is all that is activated within the AFE’s API.  There is no hardware upgrade required to later activate AFE’s real-time prevention capabilities.  

are provided by the AFE’s API as a real-time SS7/C7 information stream that feeds the fraud detection system’s analysis engine. The AFE passes all the necessary information about a call or subscriber such as relevant phone numbers, call state, usage data, and authentications. The fraud system uses this information in order to react accordingly to the fraudulent activity. The AFE can optionally be configured to send just the raw SS7/C7 messages without any decoding.

Centralized integration, provisioning, and management of the Sevis AFE is enabled by the AFE Controller.  The controller provides the interfaces required for seamless integration with fraud detection systems.  It is a centralized access point for integrating AFE components into these systems.  An SNMP interface is also provided for forwarding faults to other management systems.

The AFE is based on Sevis’s Signaling ASE® Platform, a standards-based, carrier-grade SS7/C7 network node. It does not require a point code which eliminates network re-engineering and allows for rapid system deployment across fixed and mobile networks. Scalability is achieved by clustering additional platforms together, made easy by the platform’s transparency. The platform’s fault-handling architecture does not impact SS7/C7 link integrity and always allows messages to flow regardless of platform status.