A network comprising a network component configured with a common internet protocol (IP) address, wherein a similar network component in a similar network is configured with the common IP address, and wherein the network is in communication with the similar network. The disclosure includes a network component comprising a processor configured to implement a method comprising communicating with a mobile station (MS) using an IP address that is common for similar elements in similar networks, and receiving a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) context associated with the MS. Also disclosed is a first access network in communication with a second access network, the first access network comprising a first DHCP proxy configured with a substantially identical IP address as a second DHCP proxy in the second access network, and an agent configured to promote transfer of a DHCP context to the second access network.