ETSI has defined a set of five standardised APIs to allow third party developers to build interoperable applications for multi-access edge computing (MEC) systems.
MEC introduces computing power to mobile base stations, meaning that computing can be done at the edge of the network, reducing latency and increasing bandwidth. ETSI’s APIs open this ecosystem up to third party developers to build new services that utilise MEC’s capabilities.
The initial release of specifications addresses general principles for mobile edge services, application lifecycle management and mobile edge platform application enablement.
They also include APIs for two MEC services, radio network information service (RNIS) and location service (LS). The RNIS provides radio network related information to MEC applications and MEC platforms.
The LS uses the Small Cell Forum’s Zonal Presence service. It is built on the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) specification “RESTful Network API for Zonal Presence”.
ETSI said it expects to define additional APIs, including one for bandwidth management, soon.
According to ETSI, the framework was inspired by work by the TM Forum and Open Mobile Alliance and draws on approaches used in developer communities.
“Utilising a unique application enablement framework across the industry ensures common practices and interoperability for developers when interfacing their applications with the operator’s system,” said ETSI in a statement.
“This promotes innovation and accelerates development of third-party applications, enabling operators to further capitalise on their network investments.”
The group will meet every six months to discuss cooperation projects and development of the technology.