Abstract: A local area network includes one or more wireless access points for receiving and sending voice and data messages from and to a mobile wireless communications device and a router to manage the delivery of messages to either a DHCP server, a VPN server, or the wireless access points. The DHCP server provides configuration parameters specific to a client requesting DHCP information. The VPN server operates, in conjunction with wireless communications devices to perform key exchange, mode configuration, client authentication, and to maintain the security of a VPN session. The wireless communications device includes a hybrid VPN client that operates, in conjunction with the LAN, to initiate the establishment of a VPN tunnel between the wireless communications device and the VPN server. The hybrid VPN client includes both software and hardware modules that operate together to limit communications latency during the establishment and maintenance of a VPN session.