Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for maintaining a continuous connection for the instantaneous transmission of audio/visual content between end points on a packet-based network. After a communication link is initially established between two end points connected to the network, the communication link is maintained on a continuous basis so that audio/visual content can be instantaneously transmitted from a source end point to a destination end point or end points when a user desires to communicate with the destination end point. The communication link is continuously maintained by various methods including across the packet-based network by transmitting signaling information between the end points that signifies that the communication link should be kept open and alive.

Abstract: A connector box having a removable connector plate is disclosed. The connector box provides a mounting means for positioning a cable connector on a surface such as a wall or floor. With the present invention, it is possible to mount a cable having a prefixed cable connector without removing the connector from the cable.