API gateways: what they are and how they can help you

In an earlier blog, we looked at the advantages of monetising APIs. Now, let’s turn to how you can do it via an API gateway. To find out, read on.

In an earlier blog which you can read here, we discussed the advantages of having a strategy to monetize APIs. Being able to build an API ecosystem brings value in a variety of areas including:

• The creation of new revenue streams
• The ability to innovate more quickly
• Reduced times-to-market for new, digital services
• Better customer experience
• Easier collaboration with partners
• Access to new verticals

The cornerstone of your API strategy will likely be an API gateway, which serves as a hub providing a unified entry point for managing and securing access to network functions, data, and application services. The existence of the gateway benefits network operators who because it can provide a component (the API) that acts as an intermediary between clients (e.g., applications, devices, or user interfaces) and their backend services (e.g., network functions, databases, or microservices). It also benefits both developers (who can more easily build services on the operator’s network) and enterprise customers, who can accrue additional advantages from their existing (or new) relationship with the carrier.

Types of API gateway

Each operators API strategy will depend on their specific goals, so the APIs a carrier chooses to deliver via their gateway will differ from one to another. There are also different forms of gateway, including:

• Single API gateway

Handling all API traffic across the operator’s network.

• Federated API gateway

Multiple API gateways, each serving a specific domain, region, or business unit, but interconnected for global governance.

• Service-specific API gateway

Deploying dedicated API gateways for specific services, such as IoT, mobile networks, or enterprise APIs.

• Layered API gateway

A hierarchy of gateways where a global gateway handles common policies, and service-specific or regional gateways manage local policies.

• Multi-Cloud Gateway

API gateways deployed across multiple cloud environments, enabling seamless interaction and failover between clouds.

• Edge Gateway

Deploying API gateways at the network edge to serve applications with low-latency requirements (e.g., 5G applications, IoT).

…and other strategies, such as developer-first, zero-trust, and monetization.

What’s inside the gateway?

What’s inside the gateway. In crude terms, think of it as a retail outlet for APIs. All sorts of APIs could be found, dependent as we said earlier on the individual operators strategy. The key is that the resources on offer provide developers with the tools and information needed to build and integrate applications using the network operator’s services and infrastructure. For example, a Broadband Search API might help enterprises (real estate companies, for instance) to access broadband search capabilities. An IoT order API could enable the user to access functionality necessary to manage IoT subscriptions.

Summary

An API gateway helps the network operator to manage, secure, and scale APIs, particularly across the increasingly complex and distributed 5G and IoT environments that are presently emerging. Delivering centralized control over APIs means improving service reliability, enhancing security, and optimizing resource allocation. The result is better performance, increased user satisfaction, and ecosystem growth.