APIs Move Closer to the Core of the Network

It was inevitable: As network features enter the world of software and the cloud, it becomes possible to imagine new interfaces bridging the gap between operators and service providers. The use of API (Application Programming Interface) technology is widespread within the field of IT. The Orange Group uses APIs as part of their internal operations and shares them externally, primarily through the Orange Developer platform. However, the focus is now on moving closer to the network in order to showcase new functionalities. In September 2022, around 20 carriers, including Orange, signed a memorandum of understanding, committing to using network APIs for their operations from 2023.

As with roaming 25 years ago, these new APIs are another step toward opening up our networks.

On-Demand Service Quality

At the MWC (Mobile World Congress), Claire Chauvin, Strategy Architecture and Standardization Director at Orange, is the Group’s spokesperson on the subject. According to Chauvin, “One of the key features offered by network APIs is on-demand service quality. In a live demonstration using Barcelona’s mobile network, we show what the same gaming session looks like with and without differentiated quality. This proof of concept, developed in partnership with Telefónica, Vodafone Spain and Ericsson, means that each carrier is able to offer the same level of quality that the game developer can provide for their client via an identical API. This kind of API may be of interest to those in specialized service sectors, such as the videogame industry, or even telemedicine, which requires high image quality.” 

Holograms and Fraud Prevention

At their stand, Orange is also showcasing holographic communication between their network and Deutsche Telekom’s network in collaboration with their partner Matsuko. Using an API in this context helps address issues with service quality, as well as problems with data having to be stored as close as possible to where the image is being used (edge), to ensure a better experience. Network APIs will unlock new technical capabilities for many industries. For example, in banking security, the Verify Location API can be used to confirm a withdrawal abroad by using mobile network data to verify that a customer is where they claim to be.

A Combination of Initiatives

A dozen network APIs like these have been identified as priorities by the Camara project. This open-source initiative—which Orange helped to found and regularly contributes to—was launched a year ago within the Linux Foundation. Its goal is to accelerate the development of APIs based on data natively present within networks. It brings together several initiatives to help develop the field. For several years, the GSMA, an association of telecom carriers, has been working on the concept of a carrier platform, in order to further open up the telecom world to service developers from all walks of life.

Standardization and Simplification

“For several decades, telecom carriers have been developing and complying with standards that enable us to interoperate our services. As with roaming 25 years ago, these new APIs are another step toward opening up our networks. The same code and API must give all carriers access to the same features. We’re also looking to adopt the same high level of security for APIs as we have for our protocols. Networks are complex architectures, and to ensure everyone is able to make the most of their features, it’s up to us to develop APIs that are easy to use. We’ve got plenty of experience in the field: Orange already offers a rich marketplace of APIs through their Orange Developer platform. We’re showcasing our marketplace at this year’s MWC, demonstrating everything it has to offer and more with these new network APIs. The MWC is an opportunity to meet developers with a view to gauging their interest, addressing their questions, and collectively exploring potential uses and services in the future.”