Access Point Name

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APN settings connect the device to the internet via mobile carrier’s cellular network. These settings include IP addresses, gateways, and other technical details that enable the device to access the internet and send MMS.

Typically, APN settings are configured automatically when SIM is inserted or eSIM is activated. ^[1] An 'Access Point Name'(APN) is the name of a gateway^[2] between a mobile network (GSM, GPRS, 3G, 4G and 5G) and another computer network, frequently the public Internet.^[3]

Some Important APN Terms:

Below are some terms of the APN settings, explaining what each setting stands for:

APN: The APN address of your (mobile network operator) MNOs.

MMSC: The MMS message link.

Proxy: A proxy server’s address. Often, this area is left blank.

MCC (Mobile Country Code): A three-digit code that is used for the country’s identity.

MNC (Mobile Network Code): The mobile network operator is represented by a number code.

More specifically, the APN identifies the packet data network (PDN) that a mobile data user wants to communicate with. In addition to identifying a PDN, an Access Point Name may also be used to define the type of service(s), (e.g. connection to a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) server and access to Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS)) that is provided by the packet data network. APN is used in 3GPP data access networks, e.g. General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and evolved by packet core (EPC).