A new protocol layer is provided as part of a protocol stack associated
with a packet-based multiaccess mobile communications system. The
protocol layer is preferably located above a medium access control (MAC)
protocol layer and a physical protocol layer of the system and below a
transport/network protocol layer. Such a subnetwork protocol layer
provides, inter alia, the communications system with various mobility
management functions, for example, tracking mobile user stations
throughout the system, mobile station access to the system, and
connection/call continuity within the system. The subnetwork protocol
layer of the invention also performs packet routing functions associated
with the system. Routing can be accomplished in many ways, for example,
via source routing, connectionless routing, or tunneling. Further, the
new protocol layer of the invention is preferably located above a data
link layer with respect to the protocol stack associated with
communications between network nodes.