The present embodiments relate to an information processing method, a network node, an authentication method, and a server. In one embodiment, a method includes generating a virtual access node corresponding to a first access node on a central node in response to determining that no virtual access node corresponding to the first access node currently exists on the central node; obtaining, by the virtual access node on the central node, configuration information related to the first access node; and sending, by the virtual access node to the first access node, the configuration information related to the first access node, after the first access node goes online.