A method and apparatus for a multimedia server to function as a hub based network server includes processing that begins by receiving packets from at least one of a plurality of clients. The processing continues by determining whether a network access application is active for this particular client. When the network access application is active for the client, the processing continues by processing the data of the packets in accordance with the network access application. The processing then continues by determining access to a network connection for transmission of the network data. The processing then continues by transporting the network data via the network connection.