What is a private APN and how can it help with IoT security?

An Access Point Name (APN), is a type of identifier that allows a mobile network operator to define which network a connected device is trying to access before making a data connection to it. Additionally, an APN can provide information on the operator's domain network and where it is located. APNs are used by carriers to control the data connection types, security certificates and IP addresses used by the connecting device. In very simple terms, APNs allow a device to hop from its cellular network to a private one or the public Internet.

A private Access Point Name allows the mobile device to enter an IP network but with added security and control for IoT applications.

What are private APNs used for?

Private APNs are used to provide your IoT applications with IP addresses for accessing the Internet or your private business networks. It simply handles the authentication and security protocols on your IoT SIM card, allowing it to establish a secure data route to a single or multiple networks your devices need to access, including VPN tunnels. With private APNs: 

• External corporate infrastructure is exposed only to provisioned devices and not to the whole Internet.
• Low-level malware such as rootkits cannot bypass APNs.
• APNs make it easier to detect issues with corporate monitoring services.

Private APN benefits

At Velos IoT we offer the following private APN benefits: 

Security – private APN is the preferred access type for IoT devices because of the security it provides. Organisations' data remains on the customer’s private data network. Private APN security is managed with a secure mobile VPN (IPSEC) is considerably more secure than the typical VPN solution. This is due to VPN session data traversing the public internet, hence making it more vulnerable.

Configurability – Private APNs offer customers the ability to configure various settings such as IP address ranges, static or dynamic addressing, and authentication techniques.

Cost-Effectiveness – Private APNs offer a cost-effective mobile VPN solution. Furthermore, benefit from having mobile users conform to security and usage policies. This feature limits abuse and improves cost-effectiveness. VPN capability to replace costly leased and fixed-line systems.

Global Coverage – With access to over 700+ global roaming agreements, open roaming data SIMs are designed to reduce the risk of failure. Multiple networks are available in all major geographic locations. For VPN applications, it translates into seamless access to all the organisation’s applications and data, conveniently and securely, virtually anywhere in the world. Check out our coverage here.

Complementary products – Velos IoT offer extensive products to complement the private IoT APN solution. These include Fixed IP SIM cards, Fixed Public IP SIMs, Fixed Private IP SIMs and VPN IP Sec 3DES. 

Design Support – Our Velos IoT sales team includes dedicated solutions specialists to advise and assist customers with a complete solution design.

The benefits of using a Velos IoT Private APN

• Device-specific IP addressability.
• Simple SIM-based network management and control with VPN capability to replace leased and fixed-line systems.
• Most noteworthy, providing secure peer-to-peer (P2P) two-way connectivity.
• With Velos IoT Private APN, it is faster and easier to develop, operate, and maintain your IoT solutions.
• Authentication mechanisms and ubiquitous infrastructure for multiple applications and customers are time-saving and cost-effective.
• Convenient integration to many different back-end systems.

 To discuss the unique requirements of your business and how Velos IoT can help you fill in the form below.