We suppose you are always on the verge of exploring something new and are very much concerned about your security as well. If you are concerned about your security then you must be using a VPN to secure your internet connection.
Yet using a VPN, you must’ve also come around with a word similar to a VPN called “APN”. We will tell you in detail about that APN stuff which is making you want to know more. If you are able to understand the difference between APN and VPN then everything will make complete sense.
Also, for instance, you might be thinking that Is APN related or competitive to a VPN and if it can give you more security, or what does it mean?
Let’s dive in and find out what is APN? And The difference between VPN and APN.
Area of Content
What is APN? Everything you need to know about
Access Point Name is also known as APN. It is a kind of agent that provides the information needed for a mobile phone in order to connect to a wireless network. Access point networks are not permanent or in other words, they can be edited or replaced by new ones.
Another Definition of an APN is that; “It is the setting that the phone reads in order to connect its user to the public internet or cellular network.”
Your network provider needs an access point to provide services like the “internet”. Once you put in your access settings, all you need to do is to get good signal strength and enjoy the ride.
There are lots of ways from where you can get attacked online but having a secured APN or a good VPN will prevent those malicious attacks from entering your premises.
How to Change APN settings
First Off, why would you change your APN settings? The Best answer to this question is that: a fresh phone needs an APN to acquire cellular network service.
Another best answer to this question is that: the APN settings you are using currently can get changed on the back-end and cause cellular disruption.
In the meantime, if you are wondering how an APN setting menu looks like, consider looking just below:
APN SETTINGS
| Name: Clever Internet | Username: Not set |
| APN: Internet | Password: Not set |
| APN type: Default | Server: Not set |
| Proxy: Not set | MMSC: Not set |
| Port: Not set | MMS proxy: Not set |
| Username: Not set | MMS port: Not set |
| Password: Not set | MCC: 515 |
| Server: Not set | MNC 04 |
Changing APN Settings
Go to settings on your mobile device and find “Mobile Networks”. 
Tap on Mobile networks and you will be taken to a screen that will contain the network information and “Access Point Names” tab.
Tap on “Access Point Names” And Click on add or if you cannot see Add button, tap on the menu located on the top right corner. A dropdown will be visible containing an “ADD button“.
A complete screen will come up in front of you that will look somewhat or exactly like this:
Once here, be sure to type in everything as given or provided by your carrier. A slight bit of mistake will not complete the whole process.
Private APN
Now that we know the answer to the question; “What is APN?” you must be wondering if private APN is any different than an ordinary APN. A private APN will work to ensure a secure private network. The devices including mobile phones are connected onto a private server.
This will ensure quick and safe communication between employees and malware with low-level potency will not be able to bypass the access point name shield.
No matter what your mobile price is, it will only be able to use default or company’s APN. A single exception can be made if you own a company yourself.
If you want to use IoT Security, private APN is the best and most suitable.
To secure your computer, IoT Security with proper guidance will come definitely handy.
5 Key differences between APN and VPN – APN vs VPN
Here comes the crucial part, do not mix an APN with a VPN. They both are not the same but hold similar traits and features.
Differences
- Specific Providence: A VPN is provided by a third party company or developer, while an APN is provided by a legalized or your very own cell phone provider. You can very much trust in your cell phone providers but in a virtual private network case, there are very fewer VPNs that are trustworthy.
- Different Connecting Procedures: Both have a different method and procedure to set up. In order to have an appropriate APN, check your mobile phone carrier. VPNs, on the other hand, are installed using Microsoft Windows or InstallShield, in other words, VPNs are only technical to configure when they are being used for business purposes.
- Levels of Security: Access point names are most probably customizable in terms of security. This means that if you have a custom APN, you can set up the security of your requirement. VPN is essentially designed to procure your privacy and inject security protocols in order to secure your personal information using a high level of safety mechanism.
- Profile management: VPNs have a specific server through which they provide services to their users. Each user has their own profile setup system. While users of APN are connected to a general APN provided by their carrier, this means that all users may be connected to a general APN without any separate profile.
- Switchable tendencies: On an APN service, if you are experiencing any slow or cracked network, you cannot change to another alternative easily. This is not the case with a VPN because they let you crawl to a different server if you are experiencing a bad connection from the one you are connected to already.
Bypassing Restrictions
In the case of bypassing restrictions on the internet, an APN will never help you get past. You cannot rely on an access point name for stuff like that. Things that come handy for that are Private browsers, VPN web browser, secure VPN, proxy sites, etc.
Choosing between APN or VPN
There are lots and lots of reasons due to which people want to make a single profitable decision for their benefit. The same is the case between APN and VPN.
Now that you know about APN and VPN, you have to have a clear image of which one to choose between them.
Well, actually both have their very own features and security protocols. There is one thing which can always be a nail in the coffin and that is the extra price issue. If you are okay with paying extra money for VPN services and also have an APN security setup working behind then you can have both of them as “doubled security measure”. Although, if you cannot afford a VPN then customizing an APN secure network is all you need.
“The APN will protect the wireless provider and the VPN will protect your privacy, security, personal information, and fragile information”
If you are looking not to have another barrier in your way from cyber attacks, then you can always customize a Private APN and alter its security to a higher level. Making the APN security tighter would not let anyone put a hand on your working.
while if you are looking to go for a Virtual private network, express VPN would be great. But one thing is for sure that not all the VPNs are safe, be careful.
Conclusion
VPN’s and APN’s popularity is on a higher level in the eyes of the tech guys out there because they know the build mechanism of these digital servers and how to tackle them. Virtual private networks are on the verge of growing specifically for masking locations and changing IPs but access point names are the only settings that let you turn your cellular data ON.
If we talk about the Difference between APN and VPN on a technicality, then we can say that they are likely to be discovered when computer engineers dig in.
Other than that you can always debate on the security differences between both of them.
