APN at a Glance
- An APN (Access Point Name) is the gateway between a cellular network and the internet or private networks, determining how IoT devices connect and communicate.
- In IoT, Private APNs offer secure, customizable, and controlled connectivity, reducing risks and enabling integration with enterprise systems.
- Choosing the right APN type (public or private) is essential for balancing security, scalability, and flexibility in IoT deployments.
What is an Access Point Name (APN)?
An Access Point Name (APN) is the configuration that allows a device on a mobile network (such as LTE or 5G) to connect to external packet data networks like the internet, cloud platforms, or private enterprise networks.
When an IoT device connects to a cellular network, the APN defines:
- Routing: Where device traffic is directed (public internet, VPN, or private network).
- Authentication: Which devices are permitted to connect.
- Network Services: Specific policies like firewalls, DNS resolution, or NAT rules.
Without an APN, devices cannot transmit data over cellular networks, making APNs fundamental to IoT connectivity.
Types of APNs
Public APN
- Uses the default mobile carrier network, sharing infrastructure with consumer devices.
- Provides internet access with minimal setup.
- Best for: Prototyping, small-scale IoT deployments, or devices with low security requirements.
Private APN
- Creates a dedicated, private network slice within the carrier infrastructure.
- Offers enhanced security, control, and traffic management for enterprise and IoT applications.
- Can be configured to connect devices directly to corporate data centers or cloud environments without touching the public internet.
- Best for: Large-scale IoT deployments, regulated industries, or applications with sensitive data (e.g., healthcare, utilities, industrial IoT).
Core Components of an APN in IoT
1. Gateway
- Serves as the interface between the mobile operator’s network and external networks.
- Determines whether traffic flows to the internet, a VPN, or a private network.
2. Authentication
- Ensures that only authorized devices with valid SIMs and credentials can access the APN.
- Often tied to enterprise security policies for IoT deployments.
3. Routing Policies
- Control how traffic flows, such as enforcing that all device traffic is routed through a secure enterprise firewall or cloud endpoint.
4. DNS and NAT Services
- Allows users to configure preferred DNS server
- NAT will be determined by the firewall traffic is routed toward
How APNs Work in IoT
When an IoT device connects to a cellular network:
- The device uses its profile to request access via a specific APN.
- The serving gateway authenticates the request and applies APN-specific policies.
- The PGW will route traffic based on APN-specified settings (be it via public internet, enterprise VPN, or private cloud).
This setup ensures scalable and secure device connectivity, especially in IoT systems with thousands or millions of endpoints.
Private APNs in IoT: Why They Matter
Private APNs are increasingly essential for IoT because they provide:
- Security: Keep traffic off the public internet, reducing attack surfaces.
- Custom Control: Define routing, firewall, and monitoring policies specific to IoT use cases.
- Scalability: Support thousands of devices under one cohesive network policy.
- Integration: Seamlessly connect IoT devices to enterprise networks or cloud infrastructure.
- Reliability: Prioritize device traffic and reduce risk of network congestion.
For IoT deployments in industries like utilities, smart cities, fleet management, or healthcare, Private APNs enable the level of control and compliance required for mission-critical systems.
Common IoT Use Cases for APNs
| Industry | IoT Application Example |
| Smart Utilities | Secure smart meter data routing to private utility data centers |
| Fleet Management | Vehicle telematics devices sending data via Private APNs to HQ |
| Healthcare | Medical IoT devices transmitting sensitive data securely |
| Industrial IoT | Factory sensors communicating only within private networks |
| Retail | Point-of-sale systems and kiosks protected from public internet exposure |
Benefits of Using Private APNs for IoT
- Data Security: Isolate IoT traffic from consumer internet.
- Custom Policies: Tailor firewall and routing to business needs.
- Operational Visibility: Monitor device traffic patterns in real-time.
- Seamless Cloud Integration: Direct traffic into AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud VPCs.
- Compliance Support: Helps meet regulatory requirements around data protection.
Challenges of APNs in IoT
- Cost: Private APNs often involve setup and monthly fees.
- Complexity: Requires technical expertise to configure and maintain.
- Scalability Across Borders: Managing APN access across multiple carriers can be difficult for global IoT deployments.
Public vs Private APNs in IoT
| Feature | Public APN | Private APN |
| Connectivity | Routes device traffic through the public internet | Routes traffic wherever you want, even through a private, controlled network environment |
| Security | Shared infrastructure, higher exposure to cyber threats | Isolated traffic, reduced attack surface |
| Configuration | Minimal setup, carrier-provided defaults | Customizable routing, policies, and enterprise integration |
| Scalability | Suitable for smaller IoT deployments or prototypes | Designed for large-scale, mission-critical IoT networks |
| Cost | Lower upfront cost, included with most SIMs | Higher cost, often with setup fees and monthly service charges |
| Control | Limited visibility and traffic management | Full control over traffic routing, monitoring, and security policies |
| Use Cases | Consumer IoT devices, pilots, non-critical applications | Industrial IoT, smart cities, fleet management, healthcare, utilities |
When to Use Public vs Private APNs
- Choose a Public APN if you are running small-scale IoT projects, prototypes, or consumer-facing devices where ease of setup and low cost outweigh the need for strict security and traffic control.
- Choose a Private APN if you are deploying large-scale, business-critical, or regulated IoT systems that require secure, private connectivity, integration with enterprise IT or cloud environments, and detailed control over how device traffic is routed and monitored.
How Soracom Enhances APN Use in IoT
Soracom simplifies APN management by providing secure, flexible Private APN solutions tailored for IoT. Unlike standard APN setups that share a mobile network operator’s packet gateway (PGW), Soracom offers the ability to create a Virtual Private Gateway (VPG) — giving you the benefits of a dedicated PGW without the overhead of building one yourself.
With Soracom, you can choose the right level of control and isolation for your IoT deployment:
- Soracom VPG (Virtual Private Gateway): Functions like having your own PGW in the cloud. Instead of sharing an MNO’s PGW with other subscribers, your traffic is routed through a fully isolated environment where you control routing, firewall rules, and IP addressing. This ensures enterprise-grade security, custom traffic engineering, and private network segmentation.
- Soracom Private Garden: Keeps device traffic fully isolated from the internet.
- Soracom Canal: Connects IoT traffic directly to your AWS VPC.
- Soracom Direct: Provides a dedicated leased line between Soracom and your data center.
- Soracom Door: Enables IPsec VPN tunnels from devices to enterprise networks.
By combining Private APNs with Soracom VPG and cloud-native integrations, IoT developers gain end-to-end control of their traffic flow — from device to gateway to cloud — enabling secure, compliant, and globally scalable IoT connectivity.
Traditional MNO APN vs Soracom VPG
| Feature | Traditional MNO APN | Soracom VPG (Virtual Private Gateway) |
| Packet Gateway (PGW) | Shared with other subscribers on the carrier’s infrastructure | Dedicated virtual gateway environment, isolated per customer |
| Traffic Control | Limited, fixed routing policies managed by the MNO | Full control over routing, firewall rules, and IP addressing |
| Security | Shared environment increases exposure and dependency on MNO | Private, enterprise-grade isolation with reduced attack surface |
| Integration Options | Difficult to directly connect to enterprise or cloud systems | Direct integration with AWS, Azure, GCP, or enterprise networks |
| Flexibility | Standardized, limited customization | Highly flexible, supports private peering, VPNs, and custom setup |
| Best For | Basic internet access for consumer or small-scale IoT | Large-scale, mission-critical, and regulated IoT applications |
Conclusion: Why APNs are Critical in IoT
The Access Point Name (APN) is more than just a network setting—it is the foundation of secure and reliable IoT connectivity. With the rise of Private APNs, enterprises now have the tools to create controlled, scalable, and secure communication environments for their connected devices.
By leveraging Soracom’s Private APN solutions, IoT projects can balance flexibility, compliance, and scalability, ensuring connectivity that evolves with business and technology demands.