An Access Point Name (APN) identifies an external network that is accessible from a phone. It's kind of like a subnet for your phone, and the operator can define what (external networks/services) are available on each APN.
I've seen operators use multiple APNs to segment their network. So the Blackberry APN supports traffic only to the Blackberry service. All traffic using the Blackberry APN is routed via the RIM's network/servers (all RIM applications on your BB - BIS, BES, etc). The general GRPS APN doesn't go through RIM, which is why some Blackberry applications (Google Maps, mostnon-RIM IM programs etc) need to have the general GPRS APN configured - they don't work if their traffic goes to RIM so they're written to expect a generic GPRS connection.
Many operators also charge differently for services on different APNs as the "charging meters" spot/measure the different APNs in use. The rate per KB is typically different for BB vs. general GPRS.
Someone tell me if I'm wrong!
Last edited by wibbly; 10-18-2007 at 03:05 AM..
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