Abstract

A system and method for providing Internet access via a Public Switched Telecommunications Network (PSTN) using full time asymmetric digital subscriber line connections between subscriber premises processor terminals and a local area network (LAN) node and router gateway on Telco premises connected to a Telco digital packet network connected to Internet service providers and Internet information providers. A domain name server (DNS) and a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) server are connected to the router to provide domain name to IP address translations and temporary assignment of IP addresses to said customer premises processor terminal. The customer or subscriber going on-line communicates with the DHCP using encryption and preferably public/private key encryption to both authenticate the customer and the DHCP. The DHCP updates the database in the DNS to maintain freshness. The digital packets in the network use several protocols with a TCP/IP payload encapsulated therein without the need for translation or conversion.