Access Point Name (APN)

Access point names are parameters which we need to configure in order to allow  access to the Internet from a mobile phone network. The mobile phone uses APN to connect to a GSM carrier as a configurable network identifier. It is necessary to be used as it is on the basis of an APN that the carrier decides as to what type of network connection should be established. When I mention type of network connection I refer to the IP addresses that should be assigned to the wireless device which we refer to as dynamic address allocation. Dynamic address allocation is nothing but a process of allocating IP addresses as and when required.APN also looks after the various important security measures (RADIUS) which are to be taken and if it should be allowed then how should it be connected to a private customer network.APN also takes care of the DNS services required for a contact to be established.

To be more precise we need to understand what a packet data network is. Packets are basically information which includes data regardless of type and length compressed into suitable sized blocks which can be transmitted from one place to the other. These packets travel through various routers, network adapters and switches which comprise a network. These networks buffer and queue these packets which may often lead to indefinite delays. This delay depends on the traffic and load on the network. An APN performs this important function of choosing the suitable packet data network.

Apart from identifying the correct packet data network, an APN may also be used to select the type of service a packet data network offers. It also selects the servers and multimedia messaging service that a packet data network has available.

AccessPointNames.com is dedicated to providing information for mobile phone and mobile device users interested in finding their service provider’s APNs, and other relavent info for their cellular and wireless equipment.

photo credit: netzanette via Flikr