What is an APN? Role of APN in IoT Devices

Do you know IoT devices rely on the APN to connect to the internet? Access Point name (APN) might be a new term to you. It is the gateway between different cellular networks that enables devices to access the public internet. 

Access point name confirms that your IoT device is connecting to which type of network. Specific corporate IoT deployments require more security. Thus, private and public APNs offer risk-free traffic routing and increase security. 

In this article, I will go through the comprehensive details about the access point name and fundamentals. Moreover, I will discuss the types of APNs. 

What is the Access Point Name?

Access point name is the major cellular connection part to provide the internet for IoT devices. Before the data transfer, mobile devices are configured with the APN. A network identifier and the operator identifier are used to differentiate the mobile network operator.  

The carrier examines the type of mobile network connection and confirms the IP address and the security methods. SIM cards on our devices have the APN settings that help in immediate connection after activation. 

How does an APN work?

It's essential to understand how APN, connect your device to the internet connection with carrier cellular network. It finds the mobile carrier data users' packet data network (PDN) and the type of connection. 

These include the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) server and access to Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS). Moreover, it assigns an IP address to the devices for a secure connection. 

What does the APN structure look like?

• Network Identifier: The network identifier is part of the APN settings that help your device link to the right internet service. It determines your device's data connection traffic route. 
• Operator Identifier: The operator informs the system which network operator you are using. The operator identifies the Mobile Network Code (MNC) and the Mobile Country Code (MCC).

The APN structures are usually written in the given form. 

Internet.mnc280.mcc234.GPRS

• Internet: It represents the network identifier.
• MNC280: The numbering code is the network code for mobile operators.
• MCC234: The country code represents the country.
• GPRS: Indicates the connection data standard.

The following are some terms used in the access point settings.

Proxy: It is the server's address between the device and the internet connection. 

MMSC: Multimedia Messaging Service Centre enables the sharing and receiving the MMS.

MNC: A two or three-digit number that represents the mobile network code.

MCC: It is the mobile country code that helps your device connect with the right network. 

Types of Access Point Name

There are two main types of APN: public and private APN. 

Public Access Point Name

Public APN is the setting on devices that connect with the public internet via a carrier network. It assigns the dynamic IP address that the mobile network operator generally monitors. Whenever the device reconnects with the network IP address with the public APN changes every time.

The static IP address is also available as the same. It ensures access to connect to the network with restricted device owner control. 

Private Access Point Name

Private APN offers network security settings using a static IP address. Static IP ensures to protect the filter the sensitive information to reduces unauthorised attacks. It implements the firewall and controls the traffic to avoid security threats.  

How to set APN settings in Android and iPhone devices?

Go through the following settings for APN settings on your device.

For Android Devices:

• Open the Settings app.
• Click on the Network & Internet or Connections.
• Choose the Mobile Network and Access Point Names.
• Tap the Add or + icon to set a new APN.
• Enter the APN settings and save them. 

For iOS Devices

• Open your iOS device Settings.
• Click to Cellular or Mobile Data.
• Choose Cellular Data Network or Mobile Data Network. 
• Enter the APN settings and tap the save button.

The Relation Between IoT and APN

Businesses use the IOT devices, but initially, these are not configured with connectivity. The connection is set up in the devices, which is generally a custom private APN. Access point name is used to connect the cellular IoT devices to the network. 

APN identifies the settings and the type of connectivity, and the service quality of the receiver device. IoT means that without an APN can’t share information to the central hub. Similarly, the devices would not be able to connect to the Network to access the connection. 

Conclusion

APN or access point name ensures that the devices to connect with the supported cellular network. The network identifier and the operator identifier ensure the functionality of the APN. 

Apart from the APN introduction, this article is the information hub if you are looking for comprehensive details about the access point name. I have discussed the types and the relationship between IoT and APN. 

FAQs

What is the difference between APN and VPN?

Access point name is the gateway between mobile devices and the internet. It ensures to provide the cellular connection in IoT devices. On the other hand, a virtual private number adds a security layer to encrypt your internet traffic.

What happens if APN is not set?

You can’t use the internet via the data network if the APN is not set in your device.