Easily explained: Network APIs

Thanks to APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), computer systems can talk to each other. The advantage: existing applications can be loaded with new functions.

An example: Imagine a plug would be a software programmer for a great application. A web shop with online ordering. Now you want to bring your products to the people via delivery service.

The delivery service already exists. But the connection to your ordering system is missing. This is hidden behind an "API socket". You receive a program code from the delivery service. And now you can dock your application with the plug. Win-win!

Such APIs are already standard in IT, but not in networks. This is about to change, as Deutsche Telekom will provide these useful interfaces for this purpose. It gives partner companies, for example start-ups, such access to our 5G network.

To plug in, developers knead their own software so that it fits like a plug into the API socket. Then they can build, test and deliver helpful applications for our network. For example, for data packets that need to be transmitted particularly quickly. Who needs that? For example, car manufacturers to develop self-parking cars.

Another comparison: An API is like a waiter in a restaurant. If you want to dine there, you don't have to go to the unknown kitchen (i.e. the net) and organize the special preparation including the choice of ingredients yourself. The waiter delivers the result. Analogously, APIs deliver ready-prepared codes that are easy to use.

To make it easier for the entire industry, Deutsche Telekom has initiated the CAMARA Alliance. This is a global API alliance. Its goal: to create standardized network APIs to meet the demand of enterprise customers. This is supposed to work across borders and in the networks of all mobile network operators.