A mobile data communications system includes a cellular wireless data
communications network, such as a GPRS or CDPD network, including a
plurality of base stations that communicate with terminals according to a
first radio interface. The plurality of base stations are coupled to a
control node, such as a GPRS Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) or a CDPD
Mobile Data Intermediate System (MD-IS), that administers services, such
as mobility management and billing, for terminals communicating with the
base stations. The system also includes a wireless local area network
(LAN), such as a mobile IP network, that is operative to communicate with
terminals according to a second radio interface. The system further
includes a mobile data internetworking system that is coupled between the
control node and the wireless local area network and that provides data
communications therebetween. The wireless LAN may have a coverage area
that overlaps or adjoins a coverage area of the cellular wireless data
communications network, such that, for example, higher user densities
and/or data rates may be supported in "hot spots," such as airports,
hotels, convention centers and the like.