The Role of Network APIs in Enabling Next-Gen Connectivity

As 5G networks continue to be deployed globally, there is a focus on innovation, monetisation, and supporting a range of market verticals, including automotive, broadcasting, government, healthcare, and industrial. How is 5G supporting the enablement of this next-gen connectivity? Well, it’s through the use of Network APIs (Application Programming Interfaces).

Since 3GPP Release 12, we’ve seen a steady development towards the standardisation of how market verticals and third-party applications interact with core network functions, laying the groundwork for APIs in telecommunication and supporting what is referred to as NaaS (Network-as-a-Service).

Figure 1 - Network API Market Verticals

What are Network APIs?

Fundamentally, Network APIs are interfaces that allow applications and services to interact with the capabilities of the 5G Network. This could mean everything from checking network conditions to requesting specific performance metrics, such as low latency, high bandwidth, or traffic prioritisation. API integration enables developers to request information from the 5G network without needing to understand its complex inner workings.

Why are Network APIs Important?

Mobile Network Operators are transitioning from infrastructure providers to platform providers. With APIs, they’re offering additional features such as the ones shown in Figure 2. Developers can now select and utilise only what they need, leveraging API integration to support services within their applications and deliver next-generation applications and connectivity.

Figure 2 - NaaS Capabilities

Network APIs also level the playing field for innovation; they’re enabling smaller developers to access advanced network capabilities. This is thanks to API development programs such as the GSMA’s CAMARA projects, which are pushing for open and standardised APIs. It is important to note that the developers will still need some form of partnership with mobile network operators in order to access APIs.

Real-Time Applications

NaaS capabilities are the enabler of real-time applications, allowing developers to create next-gen applications. T-Mobile US and Deutsche Telekom have identified five key areas that they think will be impacted:

• Automotive - supports the development of autonomous vehicles.
• Broadcasting - can be used to improve streaming efficiencies.
• Government - can support a more efficient, transparent, and responsive service for citizens.
• Healthcare - creates a more responsive healthcare system that meets the needs of all stakeholders.
• Industrial - supports everything from manufacturing to energy providers through providing consistent, fast, and reliable applications and services.
  

Conclusion

Network APIs are transforming the way we perceive connectivity. They turn the network into something developers can actually build with, not just send data across. By opening up access to 5G’s capabilities, APIs are helping create faster, more innovative, and more responsive services across every industry.

Enabling services such as connected cars to real-time healthcare; as API integration and development continue to grow, networks will stop being just infrastructure and become platforms for innovation that can reach and be used by multiple market verticals.

Want to find out more about Network APIs and how they are enabling next-gen connectivity?