Abstract: Multiple simultaneous network connections from a single PPP connection may be accomplished. A primary PPP connection is established between a user and a first network. A first real network address for the user is then received, the first real network address assigned by the first network. Then, the gateway may establish a secondary network session between a gateway and a second network, receiving a second real network address assigned by the second network. Additional network connections may be added as secondary network sessions. Network address translation is then performed on packets traveling between the user and any of the secondary network sessions, but not on packets traveling between the user and the primary PPP connection. This allows for connection to multiple networks without disturbing the primary PPP session and also allows for the utilization of applications which may not be used with network address translation on the primary PPP session.

Abstract: A method for providing single step log-on access for a subscriber to a computer network. The computer network is differentiated into public and private areas. Secure access to the private areas is provided by a Service Selection Gateway (SSG) Server, introduced between a conventional Network Access Server (NAS) and an Authentication Authorization and Accounting (AAA) Server. The SSG Server intercepts and manipulates packets of data exchanged between the NAS and the AAA Server to obtain all the information it needs to automatically log the user on when the user logs on to the NAS. An authorized user is thus spared the task of having to re-enter username and password data or launch a separate application in order to gain secure access to private areas of the network.

Abstract: An information broker is provided which receives information regarding the updating of IP addresses and distributes the information to subscribing Domain Name Service (DNS) or Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) servers. A list of subscribing servers is maintained by the broker. The broker may broadcast information regarding the allocation of a IP addresses to subscribing DNS servers, which then may be added to the DNS databases or the database may be updated with the new information. The broker may also broadcast information regarding the revocation of IP addresses to subscribing DNS servers, which may then be used to clear DNS entries in the database. Revocation of dynamically allocated IP addresses in networks with multiple DHCP servers may also be simplified by using the broker, where the broker broadcasts information regarding the revocation of IP addresses to subscribing DHCP servers.