Abstract: A device in a voice over packet (VOP) network includes a transceiver operable to transmit and receive session initiation protocol (SIP) communications over at least a portion of a VOP network. Also included is a processor cooperatively operable with the transceiver. The processor is configured to facilitate, responsive to receipt of an invite request, determining if the invite request is a diagnostic invite. If the invite request is a diagnostic invite, then the audible alert and display of caller id are suppressed. The processor is configured to generate a final response to establish two-way media flow and a dialog. After the dialog is established, diagnostics is launched on the device, and responsive to receipt of diagnostic information requests and after two-way media flow is established, the device responds with diagnostic information responses.

Abstract: The invention relates to distributed computer or server networks and to methods of automatically establishing communication links between individual servers in the network. By taking advantage of the properties of group addresses (anycast addresses) inherent in certain networking technologies, coupled with innovative discovery and hunt protocols the servers in the network all become members of an overlay spanning tree where the tree is comprised of servers as nodes and communication links as edges. Discovery and hunt protocols are implemented to locate peer servers in the network and communication links are set up as required.