A system for connecting a mobile node includes a target network, and may include an anchor network. The anchor network can generate token information based upon a trust relationship between the mobile node and the anchor network, and a trust relationship between the target network and the anchor network. The anchor network can then transmit the token information to the mobile node. Thereafter, during connection of the mobile node, the target network is capable of establishing a link-layer connection with the mobile node over a previously established physical-layer connection. The target network is also capable receiving of a handoff attach message including the token information, and thereafter authenticating the mobile node based upon the handoff attach message. And if the mobile node is authenticated, the target network is capable of establishing a network-layer connection with the mobile node over the link-layer connection.