Abstract: In an example embodiment, an IP phone is connected to a network switch that has an established communications channel to a call control server. The network switch acts as a proxy for the phone exchanging registration information that in effect keeps the phone registered while the phone itself can go to sleep as defined by periods of the day, periods where the phone is unused, or presence, which can then wake-up quickly with assistance from the switch. If the switch is not able to act as proxy, the phone can switch from sleep mode to “wake” up mode at predetermined intervals, such as every 30 seconds, in order to respond to keep alive packets from the call control server.