Access Point Name
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Access Point Name or APN is the name of an access point for GPRS.
An access point is:
- An Internet network to which a mobile can be connected
- A set of settings which are used for that connection
- A particular option in a set of settings in a mobile phone
When a GPRS mobile phone sets up a PDP context, the access point is selected. At this point an access point name (APN) is determined.
- Example: bigcompany.mnc012.mcc345.gprs
- Example: internet
- Example: mywap
This access point is then used in a DNS query to a private DNS network. This process (called APN resolution) finally gives the IP address of the GGSN which should serve the access point. At this point a PDP context can be activated.
The APN DNS record is in the form of apn.mnc(Network Code).mcc(Country Code).gprs. The numbering is defined by ITU-T E.212.
[edit] APN in BGAN or RBGAN
An Access Point Name (APN) identifies an external network that is accessible from a terminal. An APN has several attributes associated with it that define how you can access the external network at that point. By default, the SIM card in your terminal is configured with the APN of your Service Provider. You may want to configure further APNs if you have arranged with your Service Provider to use more than one SIM Card, or to grant your SIM Card on several APN.
In most cellular networks there are two types of APNs: the usual WAP APN, enabling access to the default WAP content (or the operator's walled garden) and a second type, known as Internet or WEB APN, which enables access to all content. The WAP APN normally filters non-WAP content by traffic, ports or volume. The Internet/Web APN is normally unfiltered and often the operator will charge a higher tariff for it. Handhelds, Laptops and smartphones normally need to use the Internet/Web APN when using applications or an HTML browser
[edit] See also
- Wireless access point - a device that connects wireless communication devices together to form a wireless network.
