Abstract: A method of load balancing network access requests comprises receiving a network access request from a serving node linked to a radio access network. The network access request identifies a mobile node receiving wireless service from the radio access network and identifies a data network to which the mobile node has requested access. The network access request requests a communication channel with the serving node for transporting data communications between the mobile node and the data network. The method further comprising determining one or more gateways providing access to the data network, selecting one of the gateways, and forwarding the network access request to the selected gateway.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging in a network environment is provided that includes an access gateway encapsulation/decapsulation element operable to establish one or more packet data protocol (PDP) links on behalf of an end user and to perform encapsulation and decapsulation operations for one or more of the links associated with the end user. The access gateway encapsulation/decapsulation element is further operable to interface with a client services packet gateway (CSPG) that is operable to provide enhanced packet processing for the end user for requested information. The apparatus also includes an access gateway policy element operable to interface with the CSPG. The access gateway encapsulation/decapsulation element and the access gateway policy element cooperate to use one or more inter-module headers in order to coordinate the enhanced packet processing for one or more communication flows associated with the end user.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging in a network environment is provided that includes an access gateway encapsulation/decapsulation element operable to establish one or more packet data protocol (PDP) links on behalf of an end user and to perform encapsulation and decapsulation operations for one or more of the links associated with the end user. The access gateway encapsulation/decapsulation element is further operable to interface with a client services packet gateway (CSPG) that is operable to provide enhanced packet processing for the end user for requested information. The apparatus also includes an access gateway policy element operable to interface with the CSPG. The access gateway encapsulation/decapsulation element and the access gateway policy element cooperate to use one or more inter-module headers in order to coordinate the enhanced packet processing for one or more communication flows associated with the end user.

Abstract: A method for on demand session provisioning includes receiving a first packet from a user at a service selection gateway. The service selection gateway provides the user with access to one or more services. The first packet is associated with a selected one of the services. An access request is sent to an authorization server. A temporary user session is created to allow the user to temporarily access the selected service pending authorization. Subsequently received packets are forwarded while the temporary user session is valid. An authorization response is received from the authorization server. If the authorization response indicates that the user is authorized to access the selected service, a permanent user session is created to allow the user to access the selected service. Otherwise, the temporary user session is terminated.