A first session is established for a first mobile access terminal on a first radio network controller via a first radio node. A first traffic channel is established between the first mobile access terminal and the first radio network controller. A first plurality of packets are sent and received over the first traffic channel. The first plurality of packets travel between a first radio node and the first radio network controller without passing through a second radio network controller. The first traffic channel is maintained as the first access terminal moves from a coverage area of the first radio node to a coverage area of a second radio node. A second plurality of packets travel between the second radio node and the first radio network controller without passing through another radio network controller.