Programmable networks

Innovate at scale with Network APIs

What are network APIs?

Today’s 5G-era networks hold untapped potential: the telecom industry mobilizes to unlock capabilities for innovative ecosystems.

Network APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) enable developers to seamlessly integrate advanced 5G network capabilities into their applications. These standardized interfaces allow applications to communicate and interact with mobile networks, unleashing a new era of innovation and revenue opportunities for service providers.

All participants within this dynamic ecosystem stand to gain: CSPs extend developer access to their network attributes, developers craft novel application experiences, and enterprises unveil innovative products and services. This synergy empowers CSPs to fully unleash the potential of their network through strategic collaborations with application developers, ushering in pioneering Industry 4.0 and consumer use cases.

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What are network APIs?
How do Network APIs unlock new opportunities?
How to commercialize Network APIs?
What are the industry 4.0 and consumer use cases of network APIs?
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It’s time to open up your network – with Nokia

How do Network APIs unlock new opportunities?

For decades, the telecommunications industry has operated within the confines of closed networks, tightly controlling access to their infrastructure. This insular approach, while providing a degree of control and security, has ultimately served as a barrier to innovation and progress. However, the advent of software-defined networking standards and the transformative 5G revolution has ushered in a paradigm shift, compelling telco companies to embrace ecosystem-centric models and the imperative of network openness.

The transformative potential of APIs lies at the core of these ecosystems, enabling seamless communication between applications and networks. These APIs leverage the programmable nature of cloud-native 5G networks, facilitating dynamic allocation of network capabilities based on real-time requirements. This unprecedented level of flexibility and responsiveness represents a paradigm shift in network management, allowing applications to request and receive specialized capabilities tailored to their specific needs.

“When developers can call network features through APIs and combine them with application logic, they can address new use cases, boosting innovation and creating new value for CSPs’ customers.”

Caroline Chappell

Research director, Analysys Mason

“In the right hands, with the right tools, APIs possess enormous power to simplify digital consumption, reduce market friction, and help transform ideas into revenue. Offering more choices to developer communities, enterprises, and CSPs benefits everyone.”

Camille Mendler

Chief Analyst - Enterprise Services, Omdia

“The overarching theme in relation to the enterprise sector at MWC was network APIs and how telcos see exposure as a key tool to unlock value from their networks, in particular in the B2B2X segment.”

Darius Singh

STL partners

“Nokia Network as Code does represent the first steps in a revolutionary vision: a real-world, complete implementation (technically and, importantly, commercially) of a new way to monetize 5G network capabilities (not just capacity – telcos already know how to do that).”

Robert Curran

Appledore Research

“Emerging 5G and 5G advanced network capabilities are creating new opportunities for the developer community to consume, package, and deliver network resources in a way that would enable them to build higher-value consumer and enterprise use cases.”

"IDC's Worldwide Network API Taxonomy, 2024, doc #US51862623, February 2024"

How to commercialize Network APIs?

Network APIs play a pivotal role in catalyzing significant revenue growth by strategically aligning 5G-era network capabilities with cutting-edge applications. This synergy unlocks an array of unprecedented possibilities that stand poised to reshape industries and redefine experiences:

Empower drone software developers to improve navigation automation and functionality.
Enhance network programmability to empower developers in enhancing the detection of safety hazards and accidents.
Elevate existing solutions in fleet management, autonomous vehicles, and more by seamlessly integrating programmable networks and 5G IoT technologies.
Enable the creation of new applications that demand specialized networks with ultra-high performance and predictable latency.

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Playground of possibilities: Nokia Arena’s 5G innovation platform

Empower drone software developers to elevate navigation automation and functionality.

Enhance network programmability to empower developers in enhancing the detection of safety hazards and accidents.

Elevate existing solutions in fleet management, autonomous vehicles, and more by seamlessly integrating programmable networks and 5G IoT technologies.

Enable the creation of new applications that demand specialized networks with ultra-high performance.

Network APIs are a game-changer for the 5G ecosystem, enabling developers to harness the full potential of advanced network capabilities seamlessly. They foster innovation, enhance application performance, and open up new revenue opportunities for service providers, paving the way for a more connected and intelligent world.