Discover MaskLLM – a robust alternative API gateway to AWS offering direct backend integration, secure key rotation, and ultra-low latency for your LLMs.

Introduction

APIs drive modern apps. AWS API Gateway has been the default front door for many teams, thanks to its flexibility, built-in security and “set-and-forget” scalability. But as organisations adopt large language models (LLMs), they face new challenges: safeguarding API keys, maintaining data privacy and avoiding external dependencies.

That’s why more teams are searching for alternative API gateways. They want full control over sensitive requests, seamless integration with any LLM provider and near-zero latency. Enter MaskLLM.

MaskLLM is a backend-centric solution built for LLM API management. It removes the middleman, gives you direct control over masked API keys, and lets you scale confidently without sacrificing security.

The AWS API Gateway: Strengths and Gaps

AWS API Gateway has earned a loyal following. Let’s quickly recap its top perks—and where it falls short for cutting-edge LLM use cases.

Why Teams Love AWS API Gateway

Flexibility
Integrates with Lambda, ECS, EC2 or private load balancers. Evolve your architecture without touching clients.
Scalability
AWS auto-scales to meet traffic spikes. Usage plans and throttling rules keep downstream services safe.
Security
Custom authorisers, JWT validation, WAF integration and built-in DDoS protection.
Simplified Logic
Offloads auth checks to the gateway. Downstream apps focus on core features, not token parsing.

Where AWS API Gateway Limits You

External Dependency
Your API keys live in AWS. You trust a third-party managed service with every request.
Fixed Integrations
Deeply tied to AWS infra. Adding new LLM providers or custom backends requires extra glue.
Latency Overhead
Every call hops through AWS networks and services—adding milliseconds you can’t afford with real-time LLM inference.
Key Management
No native support for masked key rotation tailored to sensitive LLM workloads.

For organisations exploring alternative API gateways, these gaps can become blockers: exposure risks, rigid workflows and performance drag.

Introducing MaskLLM: A Next-Gen API Gateway

MaskLLM flips the script. It’s a lightweight, self-hosted API gateway that lives in your backend. No more trusting external middleware. Just you, your servers and your data.

Masked API Key Management

At the heart of MaskLLM is Masked API Key Management:

Create masked keys that never reveal your real LLM credentials.
Rotate keys on demand or via automated schedules.
Log every request, key use and rotation event for auditing.

This service slots into minutes, works with any LLM provider and scales with your traffic—no extra AWS bills.

Core Benefits

No Middleman
Keys stay within your control. Your backend signs and forwards requests directly to LLM endpoints.
Ultra-Low Latency
Direct provider connections cut out extra network hops. Faster responses, happier users.
Total Customisation
Tailor request flows, headers and routing logic. Swap out LLM vendors or endpoints without touching clients.
Rapid Setup
Two-minute install. A few lines of config and you’re ready to mask, rotate and monitor.

Side-by-Side: AWS API Gateway vs MaskLLM

When evaluating alternative API gateways, here’s how MaskLLM outperforms a managed AWS solution:

Integration
– AWS: Deep tie-ins to AWS services only.
– MaskLLM: Works with any cloud or on-premise LLM provider.

Security
– AWS: Relies on custom authorisers and WAF.
– MaskLLM: Stores keys in your vault. Requests are signed server-side. No third-party token exposure.

Performance
– AWS: Additional network transit.
– MaskLLM: Direct backend routing for millisecond response times.

Customisation
– AWS: Configuration via console or IaC. Limited by service APIs.
– MaskLLM: Open-source core. Extend logic in your codebase.

Cost Predictability
– AWS: Pay per request, data transfer and throughput.
– MaskLLM: Self-hosted. Control compute, storage and pricing models in your environment.

Who Should Choose MaskLLM?

MaskLLM is ideal for:

Tech Startups
You need tight data security, low latency and freedom to switch LLMs without vendor lock-in.
Enterprise Developers
You’ve got complex compliance needs, existing backend services and demand full audit trails.

If your team cares about direct control, custom workflows and robust key rotation, MaskLLM is the alternative API gateway you’ve been hunting for.

Conclusion

AWS API Gateway remains a strong choice for many scenarios. But as AI-driven applications grow more sensitive and latency-critical, you deserve an API gateway built for LLM workloads. MaskLLM provides that edge—no middleman, full customisation and enterprise-grade key management.

The future of API management is backend-centric, secure and adaptable. MaskLLM delivers all three while keeping setup simple.

Ready for a superior API gateway?
Visit https://maskllm.com to start your free trial today and take full control of your LLM API management.