APN

APNs or Access Point Names will be familiar to anyone who has used GPRS data or connected a laptop to the internet using a 3G dongle: the APN settings invariably has to be typed in the device to allow it to access the internet over the cellular link.

An APN is the bridge between mobile network and the internet, and every mobile operator offers an APN to their consumers. APNs provided by mobile operators are for general purpose use and shared by all their customers. This means their service offered is consumer grade.

The mobile operator's APN may have limited functionality, for example it may restrict access to particular ports, or only provide filtered internet access.

Eseye's network infrastructure includes a private APN with interconnects to multiple mobile operators to give full, worldwide network coverage. By default, there are no restrictions on how the APN is used, although a configurable firewall can be enabled. Eseye's APN offers enhanced networking features such as real world fixed IP addressing and the grouping of SIM cards and servers using virtual private networks. Other custom features can added to meet customer application requirements.