Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for implementing a multipoint control unit in an endpoint that is participating in and managing a multipoint audio conference in a packet network. The multipoint control unit establishes audio communications between a plurality of endpoints of the packet network, mixes audio communications from the plurality of endpoints, and provides echo cancellation for the endpoint that is managing the multipoint audio conference.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a plurality of call controllers that are capable of establishing a plurality of communication sessions over a packet network using a plurality of signaling protocols. The apparatus also includes an application controller that is capable of supporting one or more supplementary services during each of the communication sessions. As particular examples, the application controller and at least one of the call controllers are capable of at least one of: placing at least one of the communication sessions on hold so a user may initiate another of the communication sessions, placing at least one of the communication sessions on hold so the user may accept another of the communication sessions, and establishing a conference using at least two of the communication sessions. The communication sessions may use a common signaling protocol or different signaling protocols.