The present invention is directed to an integrated access device (IAD)
that provides multiple communication interfaces for communications to a
variety of service providers. The disclosed IAD acts as a DSL modem and
combines the functions of a gateway, router, and Ethernet hub to provide
high-speed Internet access to PCs sharing a local network. It provides
the networking functions that let PCs connect through a variety of
methods, including traditional Ethernet, wireless, universal serial bus
(USB), and home phoneline networking alliance (HPNA). It also provides
point-to-point protocol over Ethernet (PPPOE) tunneling through network
address translation (NAT).