
The API specifications are now available to the femtocell community and the Forum is keen to see other bodies implement the completed specifications into the dominant industry standard APIs.
The specifications are for network-based APIs, which will allow operators to drive the development of femtocell-powered open access, enterprise and consumer applications. The API provides femtocell awareness information so developers can incorporate enhanced presence, context and location-sensitive features into new and existing apps, and can also take advantage of the lower cost and faster data connections enabled by femtocells.
In parallel to this work, the Femto Forum has worked with the Broadband Forum to update its TR-196 Femto Access Point Service Data Model, a global femtocell management standard, to enable support for femtocell applications. This will allow mobile operators to use their standard management systems to remotely provision and configure advanced femtocell applications on their customers’ equipment as well as issue repairs and updates.
The fast and low-cost data connection provided by femtocells creates an environment for services such as fast podcast downloads or media streaming, while femtocells also act as a bridge between the mobile and home networks, giving the mobile handset secure access to all other ‘connected’ devices on the home LAN, enabling media sharing and the ability for the handset to be used as a remote control for other consumer electronics devices and home automation.
In addition to providing in-home access, the femtocell will also allow users to remotely connect to devices from outside their house via their mobile phone.
The API specification document is available to full Femto Forum members and to API standards making bodies. A separate public document summarizing the capabilities of the API is now available.
For more information on the API and the applications initiative, visit www.femtoforum.org
