A computer system for authenticating and managing network traffic may comprise a network link providing a connection to a network, an authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) server configured to provide AAA management for the network link, an access controller configured to communicate with the AAA server and to control access to the network link, and a subnetwork of client devices connected to an intermediate relay node. The client devices may be configured to communicate with the access controller and the network link through the intermediate relay node. Also methods and processes by which an intermediate relay node and an access controller may operate in the network for authentication of client devices and routing of network traffic.