A network element includes an aggregate gateway function having a control plane and a separate user plane, wherein the network element is configured to: establish a plurality of first packet forwarding control protocol sessions for a plurality of packet data unit sessions between the residential gateway and the network, each of the plurality of first packet forwarding control protocol sessions hosting a set of data packet forwarding rules for a respective packet data unit session among the plurality of packet data unit sessions; and facilitate network access by the residential gateway according to the plurality of first packet forwarding control protocol sessions.