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Getting Started

Program Device APN

In this tutorial you’ll learn how to program the Neo™ APN into your device so it can transmit data in the Aeris network.

 

Now that your SIM cards are authorized and provisioned in the Aeris network, you need to program the APN.

Simply put, the APN identifies the name of the network that your device uses to access data service.

Learn more > What is an Access Point Name (APN)?

 Manually program the APN

Whether you’re testing an application with a developer kit or deploying new devices for your existing M2M / IoT solution, you need to manually program the APN in each of your M2M devices. It’s important to note you don’t need a username or password for this.

GSM Service – Neo APN: neo.iot.net

LTE Service – Neo APN: iot.aer.net

These APNs apply to the Neo connectivity service only. Username and password are not required. Please be sure to enter the exact name of the APN as shown above when you program it in your device. Any discrepancy will result in data service being unavailable to your device.

Some vendors have developed proprietary AT commands that vary from the GSM AT command sets.

For the exact set of commands required to configure the APN on your radio module, please refer to the AT command guide provided by your vendor.

Program the APN in a Telit radio module

Step 1:

Insert the SIM in your device’s SIM card holder. Make sure the card is inserted securely and that the golden contact area is face down.

Step 2:

Connect your computer to the device’s AT command console using the RS232 or USB port. Be sure to select the correct COM port on your computer and configure it as shown (your COM port may be different than the one shown in this example):

Step 3:

Use a terminal emulator (e.g. Tera Term, Putty, or HyperTerminal) to program APN neo.iot.net, using the commands indicated in the AT Command Guide of your device or developer board.

For example, to program the APN in a Telit HE910 radio module, enter:

AT+CGDCONT=1,"IP","neo.iot.net"

 

Program the APN using an unlocked Android handset

Consumer handsets

The Aeris M2M network does NOT carry consumer handset traffic. However, the following example demonstrates how to quickly confirm your Aeris SIM is operational in the Aeris network using an Android handset – it is meant to be used for test purposes only.

 

Program your M2M device’s APN separately

Note that the handset’s APN is programmed as a result of this example. The M2M devices your application will operate in the Aeris network are not affected by this test and need to be programmed with the Aeris APN separately.

 

You can test connectivity and Packet data by using an unlocked, off-the-shelf, Android GSM / UMTS phone. The following steps work in some, but not all, Android phones:

  1. Insert the SIM in the phone’s SIM slot (follow the manufacturer’s instructions)
  2. Go to the phone’s Main Settings
  3. Under Wireless & Networks, go to “mobile networks” (you many need to tap “more networks” to get to this option)
  4. Ensure Data enabled and Data roaming are enabled. Note that enabling these settings will NOT impact your charges in the US.
  5. Tap Access Point Names
  6. Press menu, and then tap “New APN” or “+”
  7. Enter Name and APN information and tap OK to save
  8. Tap Menu again and then Save
  9. Restart the phone
  10. Check the signal bar on the screen
  11. Navigate to a browser and enter aerisbackup.wpengine.com

 

What’s next?

Your SIMs are now ready to use data and SMS services in the Aeris network. We recommend a quick test to make sure is working properly. We’ll show you how to Transmit Packet Data to ensure your device is connecting properly.

 

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