What is MCC and MNC in APN?

What is MCC and MNC in APN?

Today, we are going to understand the concept of MCC (Mobile Country Code) and MNC (Mobile Network Code) in the context of APN (Access Point Name). These elements are essential for identifying and connecting a device to the correct mobile network and ensuring the proper routing of internet traffic. Let me explain how these two parameters work in tandem and how they fit into the bigger picture of mobile networking.

What is MCC?

The Mobile Country Code (MCC) is a three-digit code that uniquely identifies the country in which a mobile network is located. It is used to distinguish mobile networks around the world and is an essential part of the network identification process. When your device connects to the internet or a mobile network, the MCC helps the network know the country you are in, allowing it to route traffic appropriately.

For example, if you are using a device in the United States, the MCC would be “310”. This tells the mobile network that the device is located in the U.S. and helps it determine which mobile operator is providing the service. Different countries have different MCC values, and each country’s code is assigned by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

What is MNC?

The Mobile Network Code (MNC) is a two or three-digit code that identifies the specific mobile operator within the country. It works in combination with the MCC to uniquely identify the mobile network a device is connected to. In simple terms, while the MCC tells the country, the MNC identifies the operator within that country.

For instance, if you are in the U.S. and your operator is Verizon, the MNC for Verizon would be “004”. When combined with the MCC “310”, the pair “310-004” would identify the Verizon network in the U.S.

Role of MCC and MNC in APN

Now that we know what MCC and MNC are individually, let’s understand how they work in an APN setting. The Access Point Name (APN) is the gateway between your mobile device and the internet or private network. The APN configuration consists of several parameters that help your device connect to the correct network, and among these parameters, the MCC and MNC are key.

When your device tries to access mobile data, it sends a request that includes the APN settings. The network uses the MCC and MNC values in this request to identify the country and the mobile operator. This ensures that the data traffic is routed correctly to the right network. If these values are incorrect or missing, your device may not be able to access the network, leading to no internet connection or a failure to authenticate the device.

Table of Examples for MCC and MNC

In the table above, you can see how different countries have unique MCC values, and each network operator has its own MNC. These combinations are what allow your device to connect to the right network no matter where you are in the world.

Why MCC and MNC are Important for APN

When configuring an APN, you need to enter the correct MCC and MNC values. This ensures that your device can access the internet and send/receive data without issues. If you’re traveling abroad or using a new network, it’s crucial to ensure that the correct MCC and MNC values are set in the APN configuration, so your device can communicate with the right operator.

As we learned in previous articles, proper APN configuration is key to ensuring a seamless mobile data experience. If you’re having trouble with mobile data connectivity, checking the MCC and MNC values in your APN settings is one of the first troubleshooting steps. A mismatch in these codes could be the reason why you’re unable to connect to mobile data services.