Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for providing secure access for a user or terminal to a network, wherein an intermediate authentication node is authorized to listen to and store authentication related information. When an authentication request is received, the stored authentication related information is checked and the user or terminal is authenticated if a match between authentication related information of the authentication request and the stored authentication related information is determined, and an authentication server responsible for the authentication request is notified about the authentication result.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for providing secure access for a user or terminal to a network, wherein an intermediate authentication node is authorized to listen to and store authentication related information. When an authentication request is received, the stored authentication related information is checked and the user or terminal is authenticated if a match between authentication related information of the authentication request and the stored authentication related information is determined, and an authentication server responsible for the authentication request is notified about the authentication result.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of method, gateway, client, software arrangement and computer-accessible medium are provided for a handover of a client from a local network to an access network. For example, information can be received from the client regarding the client's ability to connect directly to the access network, whereas the client is connected to a local network. A request for the handover of the client and an identification information of the client can be transmitted to the access network. Further, the handover of the client can be initiated from the local network to the access network.