A method of operating multiple virtual wireless networks using a common distribution system. Multiple radio frequency side networks are attached to multiple wired networks through a single access point. In this way messages may be sent between a mobile unit and a local area network. The mobile units and the local area networks are associated with identifiers which are used to route a sent message. The messages are sent from a mobile unit to a corresponding access point, which compares the identifier of the mobile unit with stored identifiers in its memory and assigns tags to the messages according to the intended local area network. The tagged messages are then sent from the access point to the distribution system that routes the message to the corresponding portal and to the local area network.