TelCOMM
A tool for B2B document exchange using the AS4 protocol
About TelCOMM
TelCOMM is a tool that enables B2B document exchange using the AS4 protocol. Its implementation in the gas market is driven by European Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/703 of 30 April 2015, establishing a network code on interoperability and data exchange rules.
The AS4 protocol (Applicability Statement 4) is a standard describing secure and reliable message transmission over the public Internet. This protocol is based on well-known and proven solutions such as HTTP, TLS, SOAP, and web services. It represents an open B2B data exchange standard described in the OASIS ebMS 3.0 specification. The elements responsible for the security and reliability of transmitted data are digital signatures and encryption mechanisms (WS-Security).
Architecture
TelCOMM is a solution designed for the MS Windows Server environment, based on the IIS subsystem and .NET Framework version 4.8 or higher. The application can only be shared via the HTTPS protocol, and the version of the TLS protocol used during message transmission is 1.2 or 1.3. TelCOMM features a built-in SQLite database or can utilize an Oracle database.
The program consists of three components:
- A web interface accessible through a web browser, enabling configuration and interactive document exchange
- A web service /WebServices/Gateway.asmx, enabling document exchange from an external program
- A web service /MSH.asmx/Receive, enabling the receipt of documents from partners
Key features
TelCOMM offers a complete suite of tools for secure B2B document exchange.
Web interface
The main application screen allows for sending documents using the AS4 protocol and the One-Way/Push communication pattern via a defined P-Mode. The user interface is available in Polish and English.
API for external programs
TelCOMM can serve as a B2B communication gateway, providing dedicated methods: SendByPModeName, GetUnreadPushMessagesIds, GetMessages, and MarkAsRead.
Receiving documents
An integral part of TelCOMM is the service for receiving AS4 messages – the Receive method in the MSH.asmx web service at /MSH.asmx/Receive.
P-Mode configuration
Configuring AS4 communication between partners involves defining a P-Mode (Processing Mode), which specifies all data exchange parameters.
Certificate updates
Automatic certificate updating is a required component in the European gas market. It aims to automate the process of switching to newer certificates when current ones are nearing their expiration date.
User Interface
Screenshots of the TelCOMM interface.
"Send" screen
The main application screen enables document sending using the AS4 protocol and the One-Way/Push communication pattern via a defined P-Mode (Processing Mode).
"Receive" screen
The program view used to download data from a partner using AS4 patterns: Two-Way/Push-Pull, Two-Way/Sync, or One-Way/Pull.
P-Mode configuration
The P-Mode details screen allows for full configuration of AS4 communication between partners.
Technical specification
Initiating and Responding: One-Way/Push, Two-Way/Push-Pull
Initiating only: One-Way/Pull, Two-Way/Sync
RSA certificate: rsa-sha256, rsa-sha384, rsa-sha512
ECC certificate: ecdsa-sha256, ecdsa-sha384, ecdsa-sha512
Ed25519 certificate: eddsa-ed25519
aes128-cbc, aes192-cbc, aes256-cbc
aes128-gcm, aes192-gcm, aes256-gcm
Key transport – RSA certificate: rsa-oaep-mgf1p, rsa-oaep
Key agreement – ECC certificate: ECDH-ES, X25519 certificate: x25519
GS2TelCOMM Extension
GS2TelCOMM is an optional extension for the TelCOMM program that supports the process of downloading measurement and aggregated data made available by Gaz-System via the AS4 protocol using the Two-Way/Push-Pull or alternatively Two-Way/Sync communication pattern.
The GS2TelCOMM architecture is the same as for the TelCOMM software; it also features a built-in SQLite database or can use Oracle. The extension assists in generating data queries and analyzing responses from the Gaz-System partner, as well as in automated, cyclic data retrieval by defining download schedules.
Retrieved data can be viewed on one of the screens or downloaded via the web service. If the extension is uploaded, the "Gaz-System" item will appear on the TelCOMM navigation bar.
Source materials
Reference documents and AS4 protocol specifications.
Interested in implementation?
Contact us to discuss the possibilities of implementing TelCOMM software in your company.