Abstract: A method of detecting proximity between a media proxy and a client uses a proximity probe to query a plurality of media proxies, forcing the media proxies to respond to a proximity server. The proximity server uses an algorithm to determine which media proxy is closest to the client based on the responses. In an alternate embodiment, the same sorts of proximity probes may be used to determine if two media endpoints have a direct connection such that they may bypass a media proxy.

Abstract: A method of detecting proximity between a media proxy and a client uses a proximity probe to query a plurality of media proxies, forcing the media proxies to respond to a proximity server. The proximity server uses an algorithm to determine which media proxy is closest to the client based on the responses. In an alternate embodiment, the same sorts of proximity probes may be used to determine if two media endpoints have a direct connection such that they may bypass a media proxy.

Abstract: A method of detecting proximity between a media proxy and a client uses a proximity probe to query a plurality of media proxies, forcing the media proxies to respond to a proximity server. The proximity server uses an algorithm to determine which media proxy is closest to the client based on the responses. In an alternate embodiment, the same sorts of proximity probes may be used to determine if two media endpoints have a direct connection such that they may bypass a media proxy.

Abstract: A method of detecting proximity between a media proxy and a client uses a proximity probe to query a plurality of media proxies, forcing the media proxies to respond to a proximity server. The proximity server uses an algorithm to determine which media proxy is closest to the client based on the responses. In an alternate embodiment, the same sorts of proximity probes may be used to determine if two media endpoints have a direct connection such that they may bypass a media proxy.

Abstract: A media proxy receive a first message from a near end of a path of a communications session, and before receiving a corresponding message from a far end, the media proxy is arranged to detect a blocking situation where another device in the path is awaiting the first message before forwarding the corresponding message. Detecting such a blocking situation enables it to be overcome, and enables the communication session to proceed. The media proxy can send a probe message to discover if there is another media proxy along the path causing the blocking. This is useful where the only information about the far end is the media path which is in the call set up, e.g. IP address and port. Sending the probe message can be under the control of a call server.

Abstract: A media proxy receive a first message from a near end of a path of a communications session, and before receiving a corresponding message from a far end, the media proxy is arranged to detect a blocking situation where another device in the path is awaiting the first message before forwarding the corresponding message. Detecting such a blocking situation enables it to be overcome, and enables the communication session to proceed. The media proxy can send a probe message to discover if there is another media proxy along the path causing the blocking. This is useful where the only information about the far end is the media path which is in the call set up, e.g. IP address and port. Sending the probe message can be under the control of a call server.

Abstract: A media proxy receive a first message from a near end of a path of a communications session, and before receiving a corresponding message from a far end, the media proxy is arranged to detect a blocking situation where another device in the path is awaiting the first message before forwarding the corresponding message. Detecting such a blocking situation enables it to be overcome, and enables the communication session to proceed. The media proxy can send a probe message to discover if there is another media proxy along the path causing the blocking. This is useful where the only information about the far end is the media path which is in the call set up, e.g. IP address and port. Sending the probe message can be under the control of a call server.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling firewall traversal of media communications from a client device. The firewall infers authentication or validation of the client device based upon communications between the client device and a device controller known to the firewall. The firewall monitors packets sent from the device controller to the client device. If the device controller sends packets to the client device for a sufficiently long period of time and with sufficient frequency, or if the packets are of a certain type, then the firewall deems the client device to be validated and permits the client device to send data packets through the firewall. The device controller may include a media gateway controller, a port discovery server, or similar such device controllers. The device controller and client device communicate based upon a protocol, which need not be understood by the firewall.

Abstract: IP addresses are presently becoming a scarce resource, even in private IP address domains. Commonly therefore network address translators are used to map a large number of private addresses to a relatively small number of public IP address, or even map addresses between two different IP address domains. However, network address translators do not readily pass voice set-up protocols such as SIP and VoIP packets. By modifying a call server and providing an intelligent network address translator, conventional media gateways may be caused to use the intelligent address translator to route VoIP packets between IP domains having overlapping address spaces.

Abstract: A signaling method for use in a communication network, in particular a unified network, for supporting a communication along a communication path (12) via a plurality of in-path network infrastructure elements (6, 8, 10) of the network. A service element (26, 28) of the network which is located off the communication path triggers an in-path network infrastructure element (6) and the triggered in-path network infrastructure element initiates in-path signaling along the communication path. In particular, the service element may send a message to a terminating end point of the communication, which message is intercepted by the network infrastructure element (6) closest to the terminating end point, which closest network infrastructure element initiates the in-path signaling.

Abstract: A method of detecting proximity between a media proxy and a client uses a proximity probe to query a plurality of media proxies, forcing the media proxies to respond to a proximity server. The proximity server uses an algorithm to determine which media proxy is closest to the client based on the responses. In an alternate embodiment, the same sorts of proximity probes may be used to determine if two media endpoints have a direct connection such that they may bypass a media proxy.

Abstract: In order for a voice call or other communication session to be provided between entities in two different address domains, at least one of which is private, then a media proxy has previously been used to forward media packets. The present invention provides a way in which such a media proxy can be eliminated from a call flow after the initial stages of the call. This is achieved in the case that a network address translator involved in the call has a particular characteristic, such as being a cone network address translator.

Abstract: IP addresses are presently becoming a scarce resource, even in private IP address domains. Commonly therefore network address translators are used to map a large number of private addresses to a relatively small number of public IP address, or even map addresses between two different IP address domains. However, network address translators do not readily pass voice set-up protocols such as SIP and VoIP packets. By modifying a call server and providing an intelligent network address translator, conventional media gateways may be caused to use the intelligent address translator to route VoIP packets between IP domains having overlapping address spaces.