Abstract text

A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes receiving packets for a communications flow from an end user that can conduct the flow through a wireless network and through a wireline network. The method also includes providing policy control for the end user at a network element that receives packets and resolves admission control decisions for the flow for the end user in both the wireless network and the wireline network. The network element providing Internet Protocol (IP) address assignment for the end user in both networks. In more specific embodiments, the method includes providing policy peering in both home and visited networks for the flow, providing access network information that indicates the type of access network being used by the end user, and network address translation (NAT) control for the user.