Abstract: A method and apparatus for redirecting packets using encapsulation techniques. In one embodiment, an Internet subscriber transmits an Internet service request to a Network Access Server (NAS). The service request is transmitted in a first packet. The NAS analyzes the first packet to determine whether the service request exceeds the subscriber's internet subscription. If the request exceeds the subscriber's subscription, the NAS encapsulates the first packet into a second packet and redirects the second to a redirection server. The packet is encapsulated to preserve the address of the original destination of the service request. Upon receipt, the redirection server generates a reply to the internet service request which specifies why the service request was denied. The redirection server also substitutes the address of the original destination as the source of the reply message to allow the reply message to be received as reply from the original destination.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for transmitting packets. One embodiment of the present invention includes an access server receiving a packet from a first unit through a first interface of a plurality of interfaces. The access server maps the packet into a first frame to transmit the packet over a predetermined point-to-point connection. An interface number representing the first interface is stored in an address field of the first frame. The first frame is then forwarded via the point-to-point connection to a second unit. The second unit maps a response to the packet into a second frame and stores the interface number representing the first interface in an address field of the second frame. The second unit then forwards the second frame to the access server. Upon receipt, the access server reads the address field of the frame to determine through which interface the response is to be forwarded.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transparently providing a remote node with mobile network functionality. One embodiment of the present invention includes a remote node contacting a service provider to establish a remote connection with a home network. In response, the service provider generated an authentication request, on behalf of the remote node to obtain access to the home network. The service provider then sends the authentication request to an authentication server residing at the home network. The service provider then establishes, on behalf of the remote node, a remote connection between the remote node and the home network to enable packets to be transferred between the remote node and the home network.