As the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) embrace the power of 5G technology, they face numerous challenges in enabling next-generation applications. From complex interworking architectures to the need for developer-friendly solutions, the path to unlocking 5G’s full potential lies with open API frameworks exposing network assets previously buried with an MNO’s infrastructure. That’s where Shabodi comes in. 

Amidst the rapid evolution of network technology, the challenges of enabling next-generation applications for carriers are becoming increasingly complex and pivotal. 

The Challenges of Enabling Next-Generation Applications for Carriers

Enabling next-generation applications for MNOs presents unique challenges that must be addressed to unlock the full potential of new MNO infrastructure and deliver innovative Internet services that improve the monetization of MNO investments. 

Two industry-changing events are occurring alongside the current network evolution thrust. Firstly, the application layer is decomposed into components fronted by suites of APIs led by Communication-Platform-as-a-Service (CPaaS) products. CPaaS allows third parties to build innovative applications using telecom resources like messaging, voice calls, and video calls. We all know and use this type of application daily: Uber and Lyft, and pretty much every application uses multi-factor authentication (MFA). The use of APIs on CPaaS platforms has been evolving for the past 8+ years, with maturity on the horizon as industry consolidation is underway. While this level of API can create dynamic value-added applications, they do not influence the network and, therefore, have no control over user experience. Direct interaction with network elements is required to go beyond best-effort service delivery. 

Secondly, the purposeful exposure of network services to non-MNO third parties is also essential. These infrastructures, driven by 5G but also involving SDWAN, 4G, and often other advanced network technologies, are programmable or at least provide for greater levels of adjustments, with standardized open protocols and/or APIs enabling new levels of application interaction. Network-aware applications are the key to MNOs elevating their offerings and displacing OTT providers in the service delivery chain. Platforms like Shabodi’s NetAware programmable network platform offer solutions for MNOs to host network-aware applications, ensuring better interworking across multiple network operators, equipment vendors, and access technologies. The difference between Shabodi NetAware and CPaaS is the level at which they work: the NetAware controls the network directly, acting as a bridge for applications to adjust network settings, whereas CPaaS operates at the application layer. In fact, a CPaaS may use Shabodi NetAware to create better telecom service experiences. 

Shabodi’s NetAware programmable network platform: An MNO-Friendly Solution

The general MNO goal is to maximize infrastructure use and attract users through innovative services, which accelerates and elevates network monetization. MNOs aim to offer unique services, drawing from past technology deployment lessons, to stand out in the market. To succeed, they need top-tier service offerings, which require an environment that attracts network-aware applications and developers. 

Shabodi’s NetAware programmable network platform bridges the gap between application and network domains, enabling applications for Industry 4.0, AR/VR, drones, and more. It offers a developer-friendly platform that simplifies network complexities through a suite of simplified RESTful APIs. An application may make a single API call to adjust bandwidth, which the NetAware transforms into multiple network requests, with the NetAware performing rate-limiting responsiveness to network conditions. This simplified approach protects the MNO’s network from harm and accelerates network-aware application development. By understanding developers’ needs and providing a purpose-built platform, the NetAware enables MNOs to offer high-value network-aware applications and provide a consistent experience across 5G networks. 

Shabodi’s NetAware programmable network platform empowers developers to embed network capabilities in applications efficiently. With one API call, developers can adjust network settings to create superior user experiences, saving development and integration time and effort. 

Working With Service Delivery Platforms to Further Expose Value 

Service Delivery Platforms (SDPs) have evolved over the years to allow carriers to offer differentiated telecom service packages to users. They were also the first attempts to open carrier telecom environments, allowing third parties access to idle or underused telecom services, improving user experiences and network monetization. Numerous examples exist of telecom-service-infused applications, such as incoming call pops on television screens or service telecom service bundles, including VPNs and anti-virus packages. SDPs face several challenges, including a lack of attractiveness for application developers (due to a lack of standardized interfaces) and competition from third-party open API platforms. 

Standardized API suites, the likes of which are being driven by CAMARA (of which Shabodi is a contributing member), are changing the application landscape and opening networks for true third-party integration. The evolution path for SDPs is unclear: some providers will continue to operate these platforms leveraging the investment in authentication and orchestration, with some measure of combining with new API platforms; others may stop SDP evolution in its current tracks, opting for new services to be delivered solely in the new cloud-oriented API platforms and maintaining previous generation services on the SDPs; others may migrate completely to new platforms. SDPs will remain in operation, continuing to provide access to services, and it is likely that some level of integration between SDPs and open API packages supporting 5G services will take hold. The evolution path in the MNO space is clearly toward open networks and API suites.  

Shabodi NetAware programmable network platform for 5G networks is designed to simplify interactions and enable applications to utilize advanced technologies such as AI and IoT through simplified APIs. The platform bridges the gap between networks and applications, making it accessible to developers without extensive telecom expertise. Shabodi NetAware streamlines processes, benefiting both applications and mobile network operators (MNOs) by quicker deployment of higher-quality applications. Additionally, the platform supports private, public, and hybrid 5G networks, enhancing user experiences and enabling MNOs to monetize their 5G investments by facilitating the deployment of differentiated applications. 

Shabodi’s NetAware was designed to support multiple types of access and network infrastructures. It provides support for 5G networks and goes beyond to include all advanced network types. As such, the NetAware is also designed to work with SDPs, potentially in standalone or hybrid models. Some of the envisioned configurations include:  

• Standalone: Applications register directly with NetAware and interact exclusively with its simplified APIs, with the NetAware providing orchestration of network interactions; 

• SDP-Proxy: NetAware “fronts” the SDP for new 5G applications, treating the SDP as the network. The SDP carries out all network orchestration and authentication, ensuring unified access to network resources;  

• SDP-Authenticated: A hybrid architecture where NetAware uses the SDP for authentication and registration but accesses network elements directly. This allows the MNO to maintain visibility of application and network activities through the SDP management infrastructure. 

The choice between these architectures depends on the MNO’s specific needs. Shabodi’s drive is to enable MNOs to deliver the best user experiences possible using their open network infrastructures supporting adaptive network-aware applications. 

Unlocking the Power of 5G Network APIs for Application Modernization

Shabodi is revolutionizing the telecommunications industry by simplifying the interworking of applications with next-generation 5G solutions. Shabodi’s NetAware programmable network platform provides a developer-friendly solution that maximizes returns on 5G investments by addressing MNOs’ challenges in enabling next-generation applications. With its configurations tailored for carrier environments, Shabodi empowers application developers, network engineers, and tech-savvy individuals to unlock the full potential of 5G technology. Shabodi is at the forefront as the telecommunications industry evolves, paving the way for a seamless and efficient 5G+ future.  

Our team of experts Vikram Chopra and Kevin Howe-Patterson will be attending DTW Ignite 2024. We’re looking forward to hearing about your Network API strategies and discussing how network APIs are evolving to address enterprise use cases such as AI, AR, video sensors and drones. Find us at the Next20 Startup Village, stand 6 or schedule a meeting.