By Access Point Name or APN is defined as the gateway between the Internet (IP network) and a cellular network. It specifies the sort of connectivity and service that a device will receive, as well as any specific parameters. Here’s a detailed breakdown of APN types, and how IoT helps in establishing stable and secure connectivity between the internet and mobile networks.
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Private APN & Public APN: Know The Difference
Access Point Name commonly known as APN mainly consists of a Network Identifier and Operator Identifier. Network identifier specifies the external Public Data Network (PDN) to which the Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) is linked, as well as the services to which the subscriber intends to have access. A network identifier will be pre-configured in a GPRS terminal. The operator identifier indicates the type of MNO with which the existing gateway is associated. It identifies the domain network of the operator and locates the active GGSN. Furthermore, an operator identifier can be separated into two parts: Mobile Country Code (MCC) and Mobile Network Code (MNC). Now, let’s take a look at the difference between public and private APNs:
Public APN
The default choice in a SIM card is Public APN, which gives the user instant access to the internet. It enables all devices to connect to the internet and provides a dynamic IP address to any device that connects to the network. The address is drawn from a pool of publicly available addresses, and when the device no longer requires a connection, the IP address it used is returned to the pool. When it needs another connection, it chooses from a pool of accessible IP addresses, which may or may not include the one it used previously.
Private APN
Private APN links the device to a specified network by using a VPN. A private APN is one that is exclusively set up for a single organization or group of users. It offers greater security and privacy to user devices compared to public APNs.
Benefits Of Cellular IoT
Cellular networks have become increasingly faster and more reliable over time. Cellular IoT connects IoT devices to the mobile network and reduces the need to develop a separate network infrastructure for the Internet of Things devices. The benefits of using cellular IoT for businesses are as follows:
Analytics
One of the biggest perks of cellular IoT services is reliable connectivity. It enables devices to connect, collect and transmit real time data. For example, companies can make use of cellular IoT devices to track the location, and vibration of high-value goods throughout the supply chain. They can make use of this data to locate goods, identify delays, and confirm proof of delivery. Firms can utilize advanced analytics modeling to derive better insights from supply chain data in the long run.
Security
Data sent over a mobile network is encrypted, providing far greater security than data sent over Wi-Fi. (While encrypted Wi-Fi access points can be used, they aren’t as reliable, so there’s a higher risk of data being exposed to cyberattacks.) Data in cellular IoT networks is encrypted by default, which means that businesses do not have to take extra precautions to protect data.
Large Coverage Area
The devices are not restricted to any specific location as the cellular IoT uses existing cellular networks. At present numerous IoT devices are limited by the Wi-fi signal range. However, cellular IoT can be used even in remote locations provided there is enough cell coverage. Cellular LPWAN coverage is also available across the world with NB-IoT being available in 29 countries and LTE-M in 24 countries, as networks keep on expanding.
Built-in Authentication
Cellular IoT simplifies the authentication process by enabling users to sign in once for their network rather than for each new device. If the device has an eSIM or eUICC-enabled SIM card, it can also be provisioned and verified remotely, allowing administrators to swap out subscriber profiles over the air (OTA) using a technique known as Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP). Working with eUICC has a few business benefits, such as allowing a single SKU to operate for a long time from anywhere across the globe and allowing users to update SIM profiles after devices are activated.
What’s The Future Of Cellular IoT?
All across the globe, businesses are relying on cellular IoT. It has become the standard network connection among industries nowadays. It won’t be replaced by any other alternatives in the near future and its reign will continue for at least a decade.
