Unlocking network APIs for media production over mobile networks

Abstract

Proving 5G's significant improvements for media production and contribution necessitates a deep understanding of its foundational principles and the capabilities defined in 3GPP standards. It requires not only knowing how to apply these relevant network capabilities within specific application workflows but also ensuring that applications can effectively invoke them. While 3GPP defines APIs for interacting with mobile networks to enable Quality of Service (QoS) beyond best-effort connectivity, accessing these capabilities in public networks remains intricate and inconsistent. Various initiatives are emerging to abstract and simplify Network APIs in order to support deployment and market adoption of these concepts. This paper aims to introduce these pivotal developments, offering clear examples of applications, requirements, outlining relevant 3GPP-defined systems and network capabilities, and exemplifying current industry efforts to facilitate the exposure and effective utilization of network capabilities for media applications and services.