A wireless data network process and system are provided based on a network with prior network-based authentication of a connected mobile node (MN) and with a network connection to a packet gateway node (PGN). The method and system establish and use an authentication mechanism between the MN and the PGN using the network connection. An encrypted channel is then set up between the MN and the PGN based on authentication established with the authentication mechanism. Configuration data is sent from the PGN to the MN using the encrypted channel. The configuration data may then be used by the MN for communication to and from the MN with the PGN via an access point. Any network connected to the PGN via any access point may then be used.