what is an apn

An APN stands for Access Point Name, which is the name of a gateway between a mobile network and another computer network, frequently the public Internet. A mobile device making a data connection must be configured with an APN to present to the carrier. The APN identifies the packet data network (PDN) that a mobile data user wants to communicate with and may also be used to define the type of service that is provided by the PDN. APN is used in 3GPP data access networks, such as General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), evolved packet core (EPC) . APN settings may differ depending on the network operator, and users can find out more information about their specific APN on their networks website. In addition to its use in mobile networks, the term APN is also used in the nursing profession to refer to an advanced practice nurse (APN) or an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) . APNs are highly trained registered nurses who hold either a master’s degree or a doctorate in nursing and perform functions previously reserved for doctors, such as diagnosing conditions, ordering and interpreting lab tests, giving anesthesia, and prescribing medications.