Understanding LTE default APNs
Eseye supply a list of APNs that offer different functionality for registering a device on a mobile network. Use the correct APN (specified on your contract) for your deployment. For more information, see Current AnyNet APN list.
On LTE networks, if a device does not specify an APN, or if the modem automatically registers with the network before the firmware has provided the APN configuration setting, then the Mobile Network Operator (MNO) connects the devices to a preconfigured default APN.
If this happens to devices trying to connect on a network using an AnyNet SIM, Eseye has preconfigured each interconnect with APN details to use instead of the MNO-supplied default APN. This service will change in January 2023 (see below).
However, default APNs on LTE networks are intended for management purposes only, and not for data routing. Increasingly, MNOs with LTE-only networks are preventing devices that use the default APN setting from transmitting or receiving data.
As LTE-only networks become more prevalent, devices that do not specify an APN when they connect could start to experience high failure rates as they become unable to transmit or receive data. This means that Eseye will become increasingly restricted in providing the optimum connectivity for these devices, and customers may be vulnerable to legislation changes, for example, if Eseye cannot localize devices to avoid roaming restrictions.
Current workaround
If we know that devices might connect to the default APN, we can configure our systems to avoid localizing these devices to any networks that impose data routing restrictions on default APNs. However, this creates additional complexity and reduced flexibility when optimising connectivity for these devices.
Devices using 2G or 3G
If your deployment uses 2G or 3G networks, your devices should already connect to a specified APN, as these networks do not provide a default APN.
Many network operators have begun the process of sunsetting their 2G and 3G networks. To find out how to futureproof your deployment and gain the benefits that LTE networks offer, see IoT Guide to 2G and 3G Network Shutdowns.
Change to AnyNet service
To ensure that we can provide optimum connectivity for all devices and offer new LTE services to our customers, we are changing the AnyNet service for LTE default APNs.
From January 2023 we will update the default APN for all our LTE carrier interconnects to one that does not permit data routing. Therefore, all devices must specify a valid AnyNet APN when they register with a network in order to enable traffic flow between devices and endpoints.
What you need to do
Ensure that the firmware in your device configures the APN setting in the modem before the modem registers with a network. If your modem automatically registers when it starts up, it must delay registering until the firmware has written the configuration settings to the modem.
Verify changes with the Eseye device onboarding service
The Eseye device onboarding service includes a rigorous process to test how your device connects and operates within the AnyNet ecosystem. This service includes a test to confirm that your device doesn’t connect to a default APN.
If you have already onboarded your devices, we can re-run the connection tests to verify any new changes to your firmware, to ensure the device does not connect to the default APN.
For more information, contact your Account Manager or email support@eseye.com.
