A first session is established for a first mobile access terminal (AT) on a first radio network controller (RNC) via a first radio node (RN). A first traffic channel is established between the first mobile access terminal (AT) and the first radio network controller (RNC). A first plurality of packets are sent and received over the first traffic channel. The first plurality of packets travel between a first radio node (RN) and the first radio network controller (RNC) without passing through a second radio network controller (RNC). The first traffic channel is maintained as the first access terminal moves from a coverage area of the first radio node (AT) to a coverage area of a second radio node (RN). A second plurality of packets travel between the second radio node (RN) and the first radio network controller (RNC) without passing through another radio network controller.
