BY XUFENG LIU, PRINCIPAL SW ENGINEER, ALEF
As we delve into the world of APIApplication Programmatic Interface An intermediary between two Applications/Systems or Generic Connectivity Interface to an Application. Software applications communicate with one another via APIs. Learn more about APIs and Private Networks More services within Alef, we have taken note of the GSMAGlobal System for Mobile Communications Association – Organization that allocates official IMEI number ranges to all manufacturers of 3GPP compliant devices and records these ranges and device model information in a database. More Open Gateway API initiative, supported by the CAMARA project, and have made an initial comparison with our APIs.
What is GSMA Open Gateway
GSMA Open Gateway is a framework consisting of mobile network APIs launched during MWC 2023. It is supported by the CAMARA project, which currently encompasses APIs for 23 feature sets, primarily tailored for specific, straightforward use cases.
Similarities:
Upon comparison, we have identified several common goals shared between the GSMA Open Gateway and Alef’s API services. These include:
- Minimizing implementation effort through easy-to-consume APIs
- Harmonization through the provision of working code and documents.
- Enabling the simple service provisioning
- Supporting the design phase and experimentation
Additionally, both frameworks feature overlapping scopes, addressing functionalities such as QoSQuality of Service – Use of mechanisms or technologies that work on a network to control traffic and ensure the performance of critical applications with limited network capacity. It enables organizations to adjust their overall network traffic by prioritizing specific high-performance applications. Learn More More parameters, device status, and subscriberAn individual enterprise user that uses a physical SIM or an eSIM in the user equipment/mobile device. More IMSIInternational Mobile Subscriber Identity – A unique number used to recognize the carrier being used by your mobile device. More and IMEI information.
Differences:
In addition to these similarities, notable differences emerge between the GSMA Open Gateway and Alef’s API services:
- Enterprise focus: Alef’s APIs are specifically designed and implemented to create mobile services on existing enterprise networks. While the GSMA OpenGateway focuses primarily on providing access to existing mobile services on public mobile networks., Alef’s APIs cater to enterprise integration with options for both on-premises and cloud deployment.
- Architecture: GSMA Open Gateway employs a general 3GPP3rd Generation Partnership Project
A group of standards organizations that develop protocols for mobile telecommunications. More architecture typical of mobile service providers, which is inadequate for enterprise network requirements. Alef created an enterprise mobile architecture that keeps the 3GPP RANRadio Access Network “The part of a mobile network that connects end-user devices, like smartphones, to the cloud. This is achieved by sending information via radio waves from end-user devices to a RAN’s transceivers, and finally from the tranceivers to the core network which connects to the global internet” Read Full Definition from Red Hat More, but connects it to existing enterprise IAM systems. - API format: The GSMA Open Gateway supports OpenAPI, popular for cloud applications, it lacks support for YANG, suitable for network automation. In contrast, Alef supports both YANG and OpenAPI, providing easy integration with multiple network management systems.
In conclusion, while the GSMA Open Gateway initiative presents a valuable framework for public mobile network APIs, Alef’s API services offer tailored solutions designed specifically for enterprise networks, providing enhanced support, scalability, and automation capabilities. As we continue to explore and innovate in the realm of API services, we remain committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of our enterprise clients.