Abstract: A Service Provider (SP) authentication method includes receiving a message from a subscriber-premises device, the message being compatible with an authentication protocol and being transported from the subscriber-premises device to a u-PE device operating in compliance with an IEEE 802.1x compatible protocol. Access to the SP network is either allowed or denied access based on a logical identifier contained in the message. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A community translation service device for providing a translation service to a community of at least one source device is arranged to receive data traffic from a source device in the community. The traffic includes a native data session identifier and, as a source identifier, a source device identifier. The community translation service device comprises a translation component and a database for storing a pool of assigned data session identifiers associated with the source device. The translation component is arranged to translate the native data session identifier to an assigned data session identifier associated with the source device, the community translation service device further being arranged to forward the data traffic including the assigned data session identifier as data session source device information to a service aggregation device.

Abstract: A Service Provider (SP) authentication method includes receiving a message from a subscriber-premises device, the message being compatible with an authentication protocol and being transported from the subscriber-premises device to a u-PE device operating in compliance with an IEEE 802.1x compatible protocol. Access to the SP network is either allowed or denied access based on a logical identifier contained in the message. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).