The present invention relates to the use of buffering packets for the mobile node at an access router or network node near the edge of the network that the mobile is moving away from or towards. The buffered packets are then forwarded to the mobile node once the handoff process is completed. This invention also relates to the use of buffering packets originating from the mobile node during the handoff process. The buffered packets are then forwarded to their intended destinations once the handoff process is completed. The buffering system is used in conjunction with existing mobility protocols, access protocols, or as an independent network or link layer mechanism.