Abstract: A multimedia communication system and method are described where a communication controller receives a multimedia data stream from a communication device in a first protocol. The controller detects a type of the first protocol, such as text-based protocol or a binary protocol and then converts the first protocol into an intermediate protocol. The multimedia data stream in this intermediate protocol is then transmitted to a second communication controller connected to the destination communication device. The multimedia data stream is then converted at the second communication controller from the intermediate protocol into a second protocol which is then used to transmit the multimedia data stream to the destination communication device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for transporting multiport protocol traffic using a single-port protocol. Multiport protocol traffic from a first endpoint is converted into a single-port protocol for transport across a network. The traffic is sent over a commonly-open port and received at a second endpoint before being dispersed to the appropriate ports of the second endpoint. By converting the traffic to a single-port protocol and choosing which commonly open port to communicate the traffic through, firewalls between each endpoint may be traversed without changing any of their settings.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for transporting multimedia protocol traffic over a proxy server using a commonly-used proxy protocol. Multimedia protocol traffic from a first endpoint is received and then converted. The converted data is then transmitted using a commonly-used protocol across a network. The traffic is received and reconverted to the original multimedia protocol. The reconverted data is then transmitted to a second endpoint. By using a commonly-used protocol to transmit traffic between endpoints, proxy servers between each endpoint may be traversed without changing any of their settings.

Abstract: A communication system is made up of several communication communities. Each community provides for communication between the endpoints connected into that community by connecting the endpoints and communication controllers located behind a firewall with an external communication controller outside of the firewall. In selected embodiments, such a community may be configured to connect an internal controller that is connected to a plurality of endpoints with another controller that is designed for connection to only one endpoint. When communication is desired outside of the individual communities, the external controller for that community establishes a connection with the external controller for the desired community. Once established, the communication data can be transmitted across community borders. In some embodiments, there may be a central external controller that is in communication with each of the external controllers for the other individual communities.