Method for network access

An apparatus and method for selecting an architecture mode of a system for accessing a network (120). A request is received at a server from a subscriber. An architectural mode of a system is changed to at least one of a bridged mode and a routed mode in response to the request. The server may be a web server. The system may include customer premises equipment or digital subscriber line access multiplexer. An Internet protocol address, a virtual circuit identifier and a permanent virtual circuit identifier may be replaced with related addresses and identifiers on the system. An Internet protocol routing table or an asynchronous transfer mode permanent virtual circuit list may be updated. A simple network management protocol server may be informed of the request. The request may be received from a web page that includes at a personal identification number entry selection, a routed architectural mode selection or a bridged architectural mode selection.