Abstract: A method of communicating messages across a network is provided. A router receives an RSVP (Resource Reservation Protocol) PATH message from a sending host that is directed to a receiving host. Upon identifying the protocol of the incoming PATH message as RSVP, the router accesses a proxy look-up table to identify a proxy host acting on behalf of the receiving host. The router then adds a proxy header to the PATH message and redirects the PATH message to the proxy host by sending the message to a predetermined port. The proxy host receives the PATH message and, in response, sends a resource reservation request (RESV) message onto the network with a proxy header and directed to the predetermined port. The router receives the RESV message, strips off the proxy header, and forwards the RESV message to the sending host as if the message had originated from the receiving host. A proxy host can also send PATH messages on behalf of the sending host.