Technical Library
Custom APNs
A custom APN takes the format of a DNS name, such as xyzcorp.com, and points to a specific GPRS Gateway Support Node (GGSN) for the duration of a PDP context. The IP addresses for a custom APN are either supplied by AT&T or by the customer, and can be public or private.
Routing and Security Options for Custom APNs.
| Internet Access | This option specifies whether the mobile station communicates directly with the Internet, or whether all traffic must traverse the customer's fixed-end connection. Internet access is available only for AT&T-supplied Internet addresses. |
| Mobile Termination | This option specifies whether the mobile station can receive unsolicited (pushed) data from the customer's network over the dedicated fixed-end connection. |
| Mobile to Mobile | This option specifies whether a mobile station within an APN (domain) can communicate with another mobile station in the same APN. |
| Firewall Settings | This option enables the customer to specify ranges of IP addresses to allow or to block. |
IP Addressing Options for AT&T Custom APNs
| Type of Address | Provided by | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic public IP address within a range | AT&T | Allows mobile access to the customer fixed-end network connection and optionally the Internet.
Requires a one-time setup fee and a monthly charge depending on the size of the address block. |
| Dynamic public or private IP address within a range | AT&T | Restricts mobile access to the customer's fixed-end network connection.
Requires one-time setup fee. |
| Static public IP address within a range | AT&T | Restricts mobile access to the customer's fixed-end network connection.
Requires one-time setup fee and a monthly charge depending on the size of the address block. |
| Static public or private IP address within a range | Customer | Restricts mobile access to the customer's fixed-end network connection.
Requires one-time setup fee. |
When using IP addresses from a range, custom APNs generally assign IP addresses dynamically to mobile stations. One-to-one correspondence between the IP address pool and devices is not necessary, as long as there are a sufficient number of addresses for all active devices. The customer must configure firewalls accordingly.
Custom APNs require a one-time setup fee. Speak to your AT&T account manager for information about setting up a custom APN for your enterprise, or call (866) 4CWS-B2B.